Well it’s August and summer has finally arrived! It took a long time to get here, but now that we are spending more time in the sun and warmer temperatures it’s imperative that we drink more water!  The average person should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day; however, increased exercise, caffeinated beverage consumption, and time spent in warmer climates ramps up our body’s water intake requirement.  Once you get to the point of being thirsty it’s too late, you’re already dehydrated!  Our bodies are made up of 2/3 water so once you are dehydrated the amount of water in the body has already dropped below what’s needed for normal body function.

Have you been noticing a feeling of fatigue in the middle of the day more often lately? Noticed your skin is more dry than usual? Digestive tract a little “clogged” up and not functioning regularly? Suffering from headaches and feeling of dizziness? Feeling bloated? These are all signs that you could be dehydrated, even if you think you drink a lot of water throughout the day, DRINK MORE!

Many people make the mistake of thinking they are hungry when they are actually just dehydrated, especially mid-day or late at night.  This can be diet or weight loss sabotage!  It is imperative that we drink enough water to keep the body functioning properly, this includes keeping your metabolism spiked, which will in turn help with burning calories, torching fat and weight loss.  Next time you have the urge to snack outside of your regular eating times try drinking a large glass of water first as this may diminish the craving and leave you feeling satisfied and re-energized.

Other than drinking more H20, here are some ways to increase your water intake throughout the day:

• Eat more leafy green vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, or cabbage
• Eat more fruit such as watermelons (90% of watermelon is water!), apples, and citrus fruits
• Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and will help replace vital minerals that are lost due to sweat and urine.  Watch out for high sugar content in some of the flavoured coconut water, be sure the read the label first!
• Start the day by chugging down 1 – 2 large glasses of water because the body becomes dehydrated during the night while we are sleeping.  Some find it easier to drink water at room temperature, because it is easier to chug down than ice cold water

Email Michelle@CORE-Condition.com for more ways to prevent dehydration this summer and keep your body functioning at its best.

Michelle Roots BA Kin, CSCS, PES

www.CORE-Condition.com