I know it sounds so simple.
H2O, it’s made up of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. This is better known as water, and it’s hands down one of the most important factors in survival and overall health. Yet, most of the time water and water consumption is often over looked when it comes to fitness and health. Water makes up two thirds of body weight and without it we wouldn’t make it more than few days … so the bottom line is, YOU have to drink water.
Water is important in many different factors when talking about overall health.
Water acts as a lubricant for digestion and almost all other processes within the body. For example, the water in our very own saliva helps us start the digestion process of our food. Water also helps lubricate our cartilage and joints so we can move freely. Water also regulates our body temperature so we can sweat when we are enduring a Emily Hayden Fitness killer workout.
Water also helps cleanse our bodies.
Water flushes toxins and waste out so our bodies can run more efficiently. These waste products and toxins can build up over time if there is a regular occurrence of dehydration. Do you know one of the first signs of dehydration? Well, have you ever felt thirsty? Then you’ve experienced it. If you are thirsty, then you are already dehydrated! Water is vital for proper nutrient transport as well. You want to get the health benefits from all the healthy food you are putting into your body right? I know I don’t just eat my veggies for “fun!” I want my body to absorb the nutrients so they don’t go to waste (No macros left behind). Drinking adequate amounts of water daily will ensure the nutrient uptake. So how much water should you consume? I have heard all kinds of different estimates on what is recommended, what I typically recommend for all my clients is this:
Males: 128oz per day
Females: 100-128oz per day
Obviously if you are engaging in any activity that causes you to sweat (like #EHFPHASE1 ), then you should be consuming additional water to compensate for the extra fluid loss.
Make it a point to drink water throughout the day, one of the best tips that I do to make sure I’m getting my water in is to spice it up a bit from time to time. I enjoy throwing some MiO in my water. MiO is a liquid water enhancement to give that plain water a fresh new taste. This makes it a breeze. They have flavors from Berry Pomegranate (One of my Favs) all the way to a Sweet Tea. I also love putting 2 scoops of Apple juice or Lemonade flavored BCAA’s in my gallon jug. Its delicious over ice too. If you have a bad habit of drinking soda or diet sodas, try substituting that for Sparkling “CE” water. This brand is delicious. I love carbonation so this is a great solution for me. They have a ton of flavors like lemon lime (taste like Sprite), black raspberry (super sweet), and cherry limeade, just to name my favorites. You will be shocked at how delicious it is! Make a decision today to take better care of your health, it all starts with a simple sip (or ten) of water!
Now chug, chug chug!
xo Emily
[Guest post by Team ICON Member Emily Hayden. emilyhaydenfitness.com - @emilydaydenfitness]