My Tips for Staying Hydrated
Hydration is so important for your health. It’s one of the main things I work on with patients after the first appointment, and for good reason. Here are some of my top tips for staying hydrated:
Get a LARGE water bottle- and by large, I mean more than a litre. This Nalgene is a great example. The measurements on the side make it really easy to see how much- or how little- water you’re drinking throughout the day. If you get to 2 pm and the bottle is still mostly full, it’s a good reminder to get drinking.
Have a 2 cup rule in the morning. This means that you have to drink two cups of water before any coffee or food. It’s a good motivation to have to drink water before getting that morning coffee, and ensures you start the day a little more hydrated.
Switch it up. If you’re bored of water or don’t like the taste, you can add mint, cucumber, citrus, berries, and more to flavor your water naturally. Herbal tea also counts! A personal favorite is Boost- light, delicious and also boosted with nutrients.
Add electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for our body to utilize the water that we’re drinking, and they are extra important in the heat, post coffee and alcohol, or after a workout. I like Ener-C or Nuun tablets, but there are a ton of options out there- find one that you like. Watch out for brands with a ton of added sugars. Please note that those with kidney conditions should consult their doctor before consuming any electrolyte powders.