I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made it to the end of the day and realize I only drank 1 bottle of water. I’m sure I’m not the only one guilty of this. We have been told since we were children to drink enough water and stay hydrated. Even though drinking enough water seems so simple, it is one of the biggest things I see clients forgetting to do. So why is drinking water so important? Here are FIVE reasons to increase your water intake. 

Your body is made of water

Did you know 60% of the human body is water? We also lose water throughout the day. Therefore it is so important to replace this water that is lost and keep a healthy water balance. By maintaining a healthy water balance, our temperature regulation system and digestive system are able to function properly and at an optimal level.

It can help you lose weight

Water is a major tool if you have a goal of weight loss. The key to losing weight is a caloric deficit, and drinking enough water can help you limit those cravings and excessive hunger cues. 

Water flushes out toxins

If you drink enough water, you will probably have to pee a few times a day. Urination is the body’s way of flushing the toxins, so the more you pee the more you are able to clear the toxins from your body. 

Hydration can improve the appearance of the skin

Seriously, water affects everything in our body. Adequate hydration improves your complexion because your skin is able to stay moisturized and hydrated. 

Drinking water reduces bloating

Bloating usually caused by eating foods high in sodium. Drinking water when you look or feel bloated can help by ridding the body of excess sodium (along with the toxins). Drinking water before a meal can also help to minimize bloating after eating (it can also prevent overeating). 

Now what?

So now that you know why you should drink more water, the question is “how much?”  and “how?”. How much water depends on the individual, but a safe rule of thumb is at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, a person who weighs 140 pounds should aim to drink at least 70 ounces of water per day. 

My best advice to increase your water intake it to be aware of how much you are currently drinking, and make a plan to increase it. To start, track how much you are drinking, on average, per day. Once you have that number, see how you can increase your intake. It may be setting reminders on your phone or getting a cute water bottle with hour markers. Whatever it may be, make a plan and stick to it. 

If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment or dm me on Instagram. Give me a follow @jessicabondfitness for more tips like these. 

Xoxo, 

Jessica