By Halima Dabana, Staff Writer
We hear the phrase "Stay hydrated" everyday, but we never hear why it is so important, and how exactly to stay hydrated. But don’t worry, We got your back as always!
Here is the lowdown on all things hydration.
Water is extremely important to the human body because it:
- Regulates body temperature
- Transports nutrients to cells
- Lubricates joints & cushions sensitive organs
- Improves of sleep quality and mood
- Supports weight loss
- Gets rid of waste
- Improves digestive function & keeps bowel movements regular
- Nourishes the skin & reduces formation of wrinkles.
Now that we know why we need to stay hydrated, the next hurdle is how to stay hydrated. Here are a few tips:
Do not rely on the sensation of thirst as a cue to drink water. By the time you begin to feel thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated.
As with everything else in life, make it fun! Go ahead and infuse your water with fruit slices to make it seem more like a treat and less like a chore.
You can drink your water & eat it too: Try to consume foods which contain a high amount of water such as fruits (watermelon, strawberries, oranges, or any other juicy fruit you can lay your hands on!), vegetables (cucumber, radish, celery, iceberg lettuce…). Other fluids such as milk, tea, soups/broths and fresh fruit juice also count.
Don’t use sugary beverages as a source of hydration.
Limit your consumption of foods high in sodium, as they cause dehydration.
Keep water handy. Buy yourself a cute reusable water bottle fit for the goddess you are, fill it, and take it everywhere with you.
Increase your water intake in warmer weather or after intense physical activity.
Compensate for alcohol or caffeine intake by drinking extra water, as those are also dehydrating agents.
We hope these tips come in handy for you! Don’t forget to check out our social media pages (@thickboldandhealthy) for more nutrition and wellness tips for curvy women, by curvy women. Drink water and mind your (very healthy) business!
