You know you should drink more water so you carry a water bottle wherever you go…but how much water do you actually drink every day? When you’re thirsty water tastes great, but other times it can taste a little boring. Rather than reaching for a sugary drink, how about making your water taste more appealing?
Sometimes I squeeze fresh lemon or lime in my water or add a little apple cider vinegar, but recently I’ve been adding a few drops of essential oils. I love it! I especially like adding lemon, peppermint (keeps your breath fresh), or orange. Sometimes I get crazy and add lemon and orange—there are no rules! If you want it sweet you can add a little stevia, but sometimes just the essential oils alone are perfect. Make sure you’re only using organic oils that are safe to consume. I use Doterra and Numa essential oils.
How do you know if you’re hydrated? One easy way to tell is to note the color of your urine output. It ideally should be colorless or pale yellow. Staying adequately hydrated is important. We can live for about three weeks without food, but only three or four days without water. The first signs of dehydration are often fatigue and a headache. When the body begins to dehydrate, the cells and tissues aren’t getting enough water and enzymatic activity slows down. The good news is once you drink a glass or two of water, your headache will go away and you’ll feel more energized again.
Not drinking enough water can also cause constipation because without sufficient fluids you can’t eliminate the food you’re digesting. Being constipated can lead to an overload of toxins in the body and digestive complaints such as gas, bloating, and stomach pain. Not fun. And sometimes when you’re slightly dehydrated you may feel like you’re hungry. Rather than eating extra food that you don’t need, try drinking a big glass of water. It will often do the trick and you’ll feel satisfied!
Happy Spring!
