Hydrate to Elevate

Hydrate to Elevate

One simple, effective, and often overlooked health upgrade is hydration. 

A general rule of thumb is to drink at least 80 ounces of water a day (more when you’re working out). When I share this with new clients and they begin monitoring their intake a little more closely, many are surprised at how little water they’re actually drinking in a day.

Water constitutes a substantial portion of our biological makeup, comprising a vital element of our tissues, organs, and cells. It plays a crucial role in the digestive system as well, particularly during the process of digestion and nutrient absorption. Moreover, hydration also impacts cognitive function. 

When we move through our busy days dehydrated, we are more prone to low energy (and mood), difficulty concentrating and making decisions, increased cravings for unhealthy snacks, increased blood pressure, weakened immune response, and of course, reduced physical performance.

Don’t underestimate this one, and don’t overthink it. 

Here are some tips for staying hydrated: 

First things first, water before coffee. Drink an 8-12 ounce glass first thing in the morning. Add a pinch of pink sea salt to get some electrolytes flowing too. 

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle. My ladies toting those Stanley tumblers around, you know what I’m talking about! Keeping a reusable water bottle with you makes it easy to stay hydrated on the go. Know how many times you’ll need to refill it to hit the 80 ounce goal.

Incorporate Hydrating Foods. Many fruits and vegetables have high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and peppers. Include these in your diet to supplement your hydration.

Set a Routine. Establish a routine or checkpoint with yourself to make sure you’re on track for the day. I like to use meal time for this. If I’m “behind” on my ounces, I’ll drink a full glass of water before starting my meal. This can also help a bit with portion control as you learn to listen to your internal fullness cues to moderate your meal. 

Use Technology. Piggybacking on the previous tip, you can use an app to track your water intake and send reminders to drink water throughout the day. Many of the meal tracking apps have a space to track water so you can get it all saved in one place. 

Hydration is a fundamental aspect of maintaining health and vitality. And it’s easy to do. Grab your favorite reusable cup (you know you have at least 5 in the cabinets at home), and fill ‘er up!

Cheers to your hydrated health!