You’ve heard it your entire life: drink more water. And, it really is true. Here are 3 great reasons you should start drinking more water today.
1.) It can, of course, help you lose weight. And while its not necessarily the water itself that contributes heavily to weight loss (though it does help to stay hydrated) its the act of replacing calorie-laden drinks with a non-calorie beverage. Ditching sodas and replacing them with water can be one of the best things you can do, for both your overall health and your weight loss journey. Also, try to eat water-rich foods- so think more fruits and veggies. They are healthier than other foods, contribute to your water intake, and keep you fuller longer, so it is beneficial all around.
2.) Water helps your muscles. Trying to run or work out while dehydrated is almost impossible. When the balance of fluid in the muscles is off, electrolyte levels are low, and the muscles simply aren’t properly hydrated, they will shrivel, become fatigued, and performance will inevitably suffer.
According to the American Council on Exercise, the following are basic guidelines for drinking water before, during, and after exercise:
- Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2 to 3 hours before you start exercising.
- Drink 8 ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising or during your warm-up.
- Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.
- Drink 8 ounces of water no more than 30 minutes after you exercise.
The amount of water every person loses through exercise is different; some people sweat a lot, some not much at all. Determine your personal water loss with the following: weigh yourself immediately before and after exercise. For every pound you lose, you lost somewhere between 16 and 24 ounces of water. So, adjust your post workout needs accordingly. You may need to raise your intake if you sweat a lot.
3.) It can give you more energy. And energy is something we all need to keep on top of our workouts. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, and knocking out a 5k is not easy when you feel like a zombie. Humans are close to 60% water- every part of your body needs water to function properly. So, to keep on top of your workouts and stay energized, keep your body properly hydrated!