This blog was written by Lisa Larkin. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.
There is no doubt about it: water is good for you in several different ways. How much water is needed per day varies from person to person. Water needs vary because you need to take into account how active someone is or how much they sweat on average. So if the staff at your onsite corporate fitness center makes you sweat a lot during class, you need to be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Not drinking enough water can decrease your energy level and cause health issues.
Key Reasons to Drink More Water
Here are some key reasons why you should drink more water:
- To stay hydrated and keep energy levels up.
- To help with muscle recovery after a hard strength workout.
- To help with digestion.
- To make you feel full so you eat less.
- To lubricate the joints for less pain.
Tips for Drinking More Water
I try to keep a full water bottle on my desk while at work. Before I know it, it’s time to make another trip to the water filter for a refill. Add lemons to your water to spruce it up and add a little flavor. Some days I make Crystal Light, which is a sugar-free, flavored powder that you just add water to. This helps me to add some variety to my water intake. I also like to drink hot tea in the winter.
Surprisingly enough, you get water from food, too! For example, a healthy salad with lettuce and fresh vegetables adds water to your diet. Lower-sodium soups are another good source of water.
What tips and tricks do you have to make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day?