How to Drink More Water During the Day

Most of us know water is good for us, but why don’t we get enough in during the day? If you struggle to get at least 64 ounces of water in during the day, here are a few ideas to help you hydrate throughout the day.

First Thing in the Morning
After a waterless night, your body needs water to rehydrate and to wake up your brain and other organs. Drinking 8 ounces of water before your coffee or tea will help flush out toxins, jump start your metabolism, and stimulate your digestive system. So before you reach for your coffee or tea, grab a tall, glass of water.

Before you Reach for that Snack
Many of us get the midday munchies and without thinking about it we reach for something unhealthy. Next time you’re hungry or hankering for a snack, grab a glass of water. The water will help boost your metabolism for the next 30-40 minutes, and may even suppress your appetite.

Before Lunch and Dinner
Drinking water at least a half hour before a meal will not only help fill you up, but it will aid digestion and can lower cholesterol production.

After Lunch
Instead of reaching for a sugary or carb loaded snack after lunch when you feel your energy waning, reach for a glass of water. Drinking water 30 minutes to an hour after lunch can boost your mental creativity by 30 % during the afternoon hours when many of us hit that midday crash. That’s because it’s a natural energy drink that can reduce fatigue and increase enzyme activity in your body. So skip the vending machine and reach for some water instead.

Before Bed
If you’re not plagued with multiple trips to the bathroom at night, drinking water at least 20 minutes before bed at room temperature can help hydrate you through the night.

No matter when you drink water, there’s no doubt getting enough in is essential for optimal performance of your body and mind. So before you think about grabbing that coffee or energy drink, remember the benefits of water and enjoy.