The reason most New Year’s resolutions fade into obscurity by February is they are too broad or difficult to achieve. Cole Sports Chiropractic & Rehab has a suggestion for one that is easy to implement and will provide great health benefits. Make it a goal to drink more water. The old rule of thumb of drinking eight glasses of water per day was recently called into question, but the importance of staying hydrated through water or food intake remains.
Here are just a few of the benefits of drinking water:
- Water makes up 60% of your body weight. It helps keep your kidneys and digestive system in working order, your temperature normal, and protects your joints and tissues. Drinking too little water can also put you at higher risk for certain health issues, such as kidney stones. Ouch!
- Drinking water can assist with weight loss. According to WebMD, drinking just one extra cup of water in a day can save you 68 calories. Drinking three extra cups can cut your caloric intake by 205 calories. Now we’re talking!
- Staying well hydrated can energize your muscles. When muscle cells don’t have as much fluid, it can result in muscle fatigue and cramping.
Get started on the road to hydration:
- Purchase a quality BPA-free water bottle in a design that meets your lifestyle needs.
- If you aren’t on the move throughout the day, you can also fill up a pitcher of water at the beginning of the day and pour your water from it to track just how much you are drinking.
- Make hydration convenient by keeping your water bottle with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
- Drink water or a healthy beverage with every snack and meal.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Roughly 20% of fluid intake comes from food.
Dehydration of 10% of your total body weight can be fatal. Athletes in particular should take note that at 1% dehydration, you can see physical signs during your workout or athletic performance. So if an athlete works out and loses 10% of weight in a single day, it is guaranteed that it was not fat or muscle loss. If you weigh yourself before and after your workout, your weight will not change if you are properly hydrated. Fat does not burn that fast.
While how much to drink depends on many factors including your health, level of activity, and the climate in which you live, there is no denying the importance of staying hydrated. Resolve to make drinking more water a New Year’s resolution that sticks.