It’s almost summer–here’s how to get enough H20 without it feeling like a chore.
Unless you’re a water devotee that religiously totes around a two-litre bottle (yay, you!) it’s likely that you’re not getting enough H2O in a day. You’ve probably been told to drink more water at some point in your life, but forcing down eight glasses of plain water a day–what most experts agree on as the average recommended amount–can feel like a chore.
Our bodies are 60 percent water and it’s the only nutrient we can’t survive without after only a few days. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest things you can do to feel your best. Hydration is important for proper cognitive function, temperature regulation, joint mobility, and even gut health and immunity. Dehydration can also negatively impact mood, according to a 2018 study, and energy levels. With the warmer, more active summer season coming up, it’s more important than ever. Here’s how to enjoy every sip.
Bookend the day with a ritual
Beginning your morning with a glass of room temperature lemon water is a time-honoured Ayurvedic ritual to cleanse the body of toxins. Lemon water in the morning has been shown in multiple studies to kickstart digestion and it also gives you a vitamin C boost. Trust us–once you start you won’t be able to give up this uplifting moment of self-care.
Just as it can be nice to start the day with a good-for-you habit, it can feel calming and grounding to end the day in the same way. An herbal tea about an hour before sleep can help create a signal that it’s time to let the day’s worries or cyclical thoughts go, and get you into a sleepy state of mind. Teas with ingredients such as gentle, floral chamomile, valerian, or lavender, like our Bedtime blend, help support relaxation.
Make water taste good
Plain water can just be a bit–blah. A refreshing glass of iced herbal tea is an easy way to add vibrant flavor to your day. Simply steep your favorite Yogi tea, pour it over ice, and enjoy a delicious blend that helps you stay refreshed all summer long. With energizing, fortifying, and calming blends to choose from, there's an iced tea for every moment.
Sugar-free electrolytes are also a great way to jazz up your water. If you’re active and getting sweaty, supplementing with electrolytes is essential, as your body often needs minerals for muscle recovery, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. However you’re enjoying flavoured water, nutritionists generally recommend taking small, intermittent sips throughout the day–whether you’re sitting at your desk or hiking up a mountain. If you guzzle half a litre at once, you’ll just be running to the bathroom frequently and not absorbing it as well.
Eat water-rich foods
Drinking enough water is important, but you can get a lot of the fluids you need by eating hydrating foods. Food provides about 20 percent of our daily water intake, and certain fruits and vegetables are nearly 100 percent water by weight, according to a report by the Mayo Clinic. These water-rich foods include strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, cabbage, and even squash.
When you’re planning dinner or whipping up a dish to bring to a potluck picnic, think of ways you can share these hydrating foods with friends and family. We’re suddenly craving a feta and mint watermelon salad.