Welcome to Texas Summer, where it’s over 100 degrees and the days are LONG. Make it your intention to soak up the sun and get your body’s optimal amount of water with these simple tips!
Operation: Drink More Water
Did you know that our bodies are about 60% water? I hate to say it but chances are, you’re dehydrated right now because a signal for needing water is not what you might think. By the time you are thirsty, your body is in a mild state or on its way to dehydration. Feeling sensations of thirst is not when you should partake in water. You should be drinking it all day long, making water consumption a habit, replenishing the brain, muscles, bones, vital organs, hair, skin, and more.
I have heard many different recommendations on the exact amount of water we need to maintain optimal health; however, there is one rule that stands out. It is called the 8X8 rule. Basically, over the course of a day if you can drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water, you will have drank enough water for the day. For me, especially on cardio or heavy vinyasa yoga days, this is simply not enough. Another model for water consumption you can use is based on the factors that determine your life. Is it hot and humid? Did I lose a lot of water with that work out? Is my skin feeling dry? If the answer to any of those is yes, increase your water intake and you body will do the rest.
TMI but useful: Our bodies give us a tell tale, physical sign we are hydrating enough. Urine will be pale yellow or clear. If it is not, increase water consumption. Easier said than done, I know.
Find the right container or bottle for you.
Hydroflask has made quite a splash over the past few years in its pricey bottles that keep water cold. It is my favorite bottle because of its straw lid. Elevate your water with these stainless steel, vacuum-sealed water bottles that come in sizes up to a whopping 64 ounces!
I work with a lot fitness professionals who are on the go all day long. Much like us working AND stay-at-home moms, they’re not home for the majority of the day. Many of them use bottles with written numbers or trackers to alleviate some of the headache of remembering “How much water have I had today?”
Tymedration is the most common one and available on Amazon. It breaks down the hours of the day and shows how much water you should’ve consumed so far using little tic marks down the side of the bottle. Some models even have positive quotes and uplifting words as you move towards your daily water goal!
If you want to get really fancy and trendy, the Hidrate Spark literally glows when it’s time to take a sip to replenish your fluids. It’s the only smart water bottle that glows to remind you to drink and tracks your water intake. You can even sync this bottle with your iOS or Android phone, set reminders to drink, keep a drink log. and even compete with your friends with a water competition. Kind of silly but worth a mention! Another smart water bottle is by BellaBeat. I haven’t tried this one out but you can set this bottle up to calculate your optimal water intake by using activity level, age, height, weight, weather, and if you are pregnant or nursing!
How to Infuse Water
I like to make rituals habits and infusing water in the morning has become one of my favorite things. I can’t take full credit for this because I first discovered this particular infusion at Whole Foods in Fairview; however, I have to share. We have one of those Pottery Barn drink dispensers with a little spout and a cute bubbly jar however some days I also use a plastic pitcher from Target.
Recipe for Sarah’s SUMMER REFRESH WATER:
1 large navel orange
1 large lemon
6-10 mint leaves (I started growing mint out back and it’s been a fun way to get my babies involved in water and its importance to our health.)
Pour your water for the day (about 64 oz.) into the pitcher or beverage dispenser.
Slice the orange and lemons into half moons, drop them into the pitcher.
Squeeze the ends of the fruit in to use any excess juice left in the citrus.
Drop mint leaves in and let sit for an hour or so.
Leave on the counter and enjoy throughout the day.
