I know.  Shocking.

But guess what?  I’m not going to tell you to drink 8 glasses of water a day.  Nor am I going to rattle off the benefits of drinking water. There are no shortage of articles touting the importance of drinking water and plus I know you’re informed.

Besides, science is conflicted (imagine that) on exactly how much water we need.  The standard recommendation is 8 glasses a day but there are some people who say 8 glasses of water are unnecessary.

What I do know is what works for my body.  I know how I feel when I drink enough water and how I feel when I don’t drink enough.

(source)

The Benefits of Drinking Water

When I drink enough water I….

get less headaches.
have more energy.
feel stronger and faster.
have smoother skin.
eat less.
have regular bowel movements.
have a flatter tummy.
weigh less.

When I don’t drink enough water I…

get irritable.
eat more than my body needs.
feel sluggish during workouts.
get headaches.
feel bloated.
weigh more.
have more lines on my face.

When I trained for my figure competitions, I drank a gallon of water a day because that was what I was read I should do. Since hanging up the heels, I’ve become much less regimented.  Now, I drink water because I  love it (Seriously it’s my favorite drink…I’m exciting like that.) and I like the way it makes my body feel and my skin look.  The amount of water I drink varies from day to day.  If it’s hot out, I drink more. If I sweat a lot, I drink more.  If I eat out, I drink a lot more.  If I’m eating an abundance of raw fruits and veggies, I drink less.  If I’m laying around like a slug, I drink less.

Four Simple Habits that Help Me Drink Enough Water

1. I drink a large glass upon waking up.
2. I always carry a water bottle with me.
3. I eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruit.
4. I listen to my body’s thirst signals.

Do you drink enough water?  Do you have any habits that help you drink enough water?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Check out our family’s adventures at New School Nomads as we plan to take a year long road trip through the United States!

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The post 31 Days to a Better Body: Day 8 – Drink (enough) Water appeared first on Girl Heroes.