Want a simple way to feel a little more perky? Drink water! Being well-hydrated helps you feel healthy and energized. Drinking enough fluids also helps with digestion and bowel regularity – two processes you might notice change a little as you age.
Do you need 8 cups of water a day?
Nope! The amount of fluid you need is actually different for everyone, depending on factors such as age, activity level, how much you sweat and the environment (on hot, humid days you’ll need more).
Generally speaking, here’s how much you fluid (not just water) you should aim for in a day:
· Women: about 9 cups (2.2 L)
· Men: about 13 cups (3 L)
If you are highly active or sweat a lot, you may need to drink more.
Although other drinks can hydrate too (milk, smoothies, even coffee and tea count toward fluid intake), water is the obvious choice – it’s calorie-free and essential for health.
Need to drink more water? Here are 3 simple ways to get more into your day:
1. Get fruity. Fresh summer fruits like raspberries, strawberries or chunks of watermelon add a hint of flavour to water that will get you sipping more. Make a big pitcher and keep it in the fridge for cool refreshment all day long.
2. Add some fizz.
Sparkling water is the perfect sugar-free swap for pop! Try it with a big wedge of juicy pink grapefruit or a splash of pure tart cherry juice with a squirt of lime.
3. Turn it into tea. Iced tea American-style (i.e. no sugar) is a must have refresher in my fridge during the summer months. My favourite is Tazo PassionTM – it’s a caffeine-free herbal tea that is super thirst-quenching.
Vibrantly Yours, Shannon