The Benefits of Hydration

How much water do you need to drink daily? Depending on your level of physical activity and the temperature outside, the amount of water you need to consume daily may vary, but here’s an easy way to guesstimate how much of the clear stuff you may need. Take your weight, and divide it by 2; that’s about how many ounces your body needs daily.  How does water help you reach your health and fitness goal?

1. Water curbs the munchies. The brain is a fascinating thing. Many times when you think you’re hungry, you’re really just thirsty. So the next time you feel the munchies coming on, grab a glass of the clear stuff and see if that doesn’t derail your desire to dig in.
2. Water fuels your muscles. If your body is dehydrated, you’ll experience muscle fatigue and cramps and won’t be able to get in a good workout, which makes it extra hard for your body to get defined. So if your goal is to get ripped and stay that way, pump up your water intake.
3. Water lubricates your joints. Does your body snap, crackle, and pop a lot these days? Perhaps you need more water. Research shows that water is key to keeping your joints lubricated properly.
4. Water wakes you up. The next time you’re jonesing for some shut-eye in the middle of the day (or when you’ve just woken up and should be full of energy), don’t reach for a caffeinated beverage. Instead, hydrate yourself with a few swigs of refreshing water. Since our bodies are comprised of approximately 75% water, when we’re dehydrated, our bodies go into conservation mode and that’s why we feel tired. Think of how droopy a plant gets when it’s parched, and how quickly it perks up once it gets a splash of the good stuff.
5. Water flushes toxins out of your body. We live in a toxic world and these toxins can easily build up in the body, hindering the function of your kidneys, liver, and bowels. But when you’re properly hydrated, it’s much easier for your kidneys to filter your blood, for your liver to metabolize fat, and for your intestines to move nutrients and waste through your intestinal tract. So if you’re trying to get – and stay – in shape, drink more water.

“You are what you eat” is more than just a saying. Yes, exercise is critical to health and body composition. But all the workouts in the world can’t truly undo poor nutrition choices. Making better nutritional choices will give you LONG TERM results!