Do you drink enough water?
According to new research, four out of five Irish people don’t drink enough H20. Not only that, over half of us who don’t get enough water believe we are consuming the correct amount.
So how much is enough?
Eight glasses is the recommended amount we should be drinking each day.
To help you keep hydrated, we’ve teamed up with Centra and dietician Sarah Keogh to bring some helpful tips which will help you reach the right amount.
1. Start by adding one extra glass of water per day. Once you are used to this, you can add another one and gradually get used to the full 6-8 glasses over a few weeks.
2. Pace yourself. Try not to gulp down a pint in one minute and then not drink again for hours. Try to sip some water throughout the day e.g. every 15-20 minutes if you can.
3. If you don’t like the taste of water try adding a squirt of lemon or lime juice to each glass. You can also add cucumber, thyme and mint leaves.
4. Find fluid companions. Get in the habit of taking along a bottle of water when you ride your bike, drive in the car, and especially when you go on outings with active, thirsty toddlers.
5. Keep it close at hand. When water is close at hand in your bag, nappy bag, or front seat, you’re likely to drink more and it’s a simple habit that will help improve your hydration. Keep a glass or bottle of water on the nightstand next to your bed and drink it as soon as you get up.
6. Try a little water before breakfast. Did you know you can lose a litre of water from your body as you sleep? Beginning your day with water rehydrates you after your night’s sleep and helps your body begin the day better hydrated.
7. Save your drinks until the end of your meal. Although lots of water is important for hydration, it is a good idea to eat first and wait until you are half way through or even at the end of your meal before you take a drink. Chewing food is an important part of digestion and using water to get food to go down may mean you miss this step!
8. Choose water-based foods if you find it hard to keep hydrated. Fruit and vegetables are great sources of fluids. Try lettuce, tomatoes, melon, cucumber, watermelon and oranges.
9. Make sure you are well hydrated when exercising or out in the heat. If you’re working up a sweat, you will need to increase your fluid intake.
10. Enjoy herbal teas. There are lots of different types of herbal teas out there and it is worth finding one you like. Try adding fresh mint leaves or a cube of fresh ginger
This article is brought to you by Centra. For more healthy tips and recipes visit Centra.ie
