Even mild dehydration can negatively impact athletic performance, energy level and how you feel. For example, headaches and brain fog are common symptoms of dehydration. Need another reason to stay hydrated? Dehydration can encourage you to eat when you aren’t hungry. Feel your best with these tips for staying hydrated.
Keep water on hand
This sounds like a no-brainer but if you want to stay hydrated, make access to water easy. Find the bottle that is right for you, so you look forward to having it around. For example, if you like very cold water choose an insulated, wide-mouth bottle you can easily put ice into. If you like to punch up the taste and nutritional value of your water with fruit, choose a fruit infuser bottle. When you find the bottle you love, buy two for the inevitable time you leave one at work. You’ll still have a bottle handy at home.
Drink a glass of water when you wake up
Start your day off right with a glass of water on rising. Water in the morning helps you shrug off that sluggish feeling. It may even help boost your metabolism. Keep a nightstand carafe on hand so you are ready to drink up as soon as your feet hit the floor.
Choose fruits and veggies
Think beyond what you drink. Choose foods with a high-water content such as cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, celery and melons. Include foods with high water content in most meals to keep dehydration at bay.
Drink alcohol in moderation
Alcohol is dehydrating. Minimize the impact by reducing your intake or by drinking at least 8 to 10 ounces of water per cocktail, beer or a glass of wine.
Avoid sugary drinks
The water in your morning cup of coffee or tea counts. Improve the health and hydration value by reducing or eliminating the sugar.
Enjoy soup
Add broth-based soups to your daily meals to get in some filling hydration. This is a great way to get in some veggies for hydration, fiber and antioxidants. Avoid adding too much salt to keep the health benefits in your favor.
Staying hydrated is an easy way to have more energy and less brain fog. Keep water nearby and sip throughout the day. Drink alcohol in moderation and eat plenty of high-water content foods. A bonus, these foods have good nutritional value so you get hydration along with a nice health boost.
