The water thing again.......
10 Tricks for Getting Enough Water
by Lynn Grieger, RD, CD, CDE
Summer is not the only time you should be concerned with drinking enough water. It is important to keep the body hydrated all year long. Both hot and cold weather can dehydrate the body, leaving you with dry skin and chapped lips.
Water is the most important nutrient in our diets. It actively participates in chemical reactions; lubricates and cushions joints, eyes and the spinal cord; aids in body-temperature maintenance; and serves as the solvent for many small molecules. You need at least 48 ounces (6 glasses) of fluid to maintain optimum health, more if you exercise. Here are ten tricks for fitting it all in:
1. Take a water bottle to work and make an effort to sip from it continuously throughout the day.
2. Instead of reaching for coffee, squeeze a lemon slice into a mug of hot water for an instant cold-weather warmer.
3. Drink a glass of water before each meal.
4. Keep the refrigerator stocked with bottles of cold water.
5. Use a larger glass at meals. If you normally use an 300ml glass, try a 500ml glass.
6. Take a full water bottle on all bike rides or car trips -- even if you're just running to the store.
7. Buy a waist pack that holds a water bottle, and take it with you on walks.
8. Use sports drinks before, during and after any summertime activity.
9. Have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
10. Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Blend fresh fruit, seltzer water and vanilla yogurt for an easy pick-me-up that's also a good source of fluid.
by Lynn Grieger, RD, CD, CDE
Summer is not the only time you should be concerned with drinking enough water. It is important to keep the body hydrated all year long. Both hot and cold weather can dehydrate the body, leaving you with dry skin and chapped lips.
Water is the most important nutrient in our diets. It actively participates in chemical reactions; lubricates and cushions joints, eyes and the spinal cord; aids in body-temperature maintenance; and serves as the solvent for many small molecules. You need at least 48 ounces (6 glasses) of fluid to maintain optimum health, more if you exercise. Here are ten tricks for fitting it all in:
1. Take a water bottle to work and make an effort to sip from it continuously throughout the day.
2. Instead of reaching for coffee, squeeze a lemon slice into a mug of hot water for an instant cold-weather warmer.
3. Drink a glass of water before each meal.
4. Keep the refrigerator stocked with bottles of cold water.
5. Use a larger glass at meals. If you normally use an 300ml glass, try a 500ml glass.
6. Take a full water bottle on all bike rides or car trips -- even if you're just running to the store.
7. Buy a waist pack that holds a water bottle, and take it with you on walks.
8. Use sports drinks before, during and after any summertime activity.
9. Have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
10. Make a fruit smoothie for breakfast. Blend fresh fruit, seltzer water and vanilla yogurt for an easy pick-me-up that's also a good source of fluid.