3 Ways to Stay Hydrated

I go so nonstop sometimes that when I finally crash into bed, I’m parched. Sometimes I’ll down a couple glasses of water, only to wake up throughout the night to use the bathroom.

I feel so much better when I’m hydrated. My mind is clearer (dehydration is one of the biggest culprits in brain fog). I can manage my hunger and make better food choices when I’m hydrated (our minds have a hard time differentiating between thirst and hunger signals).

Every bodily biochemical function happens in the medium of water, so we need enough in order to run well.

Knowing all this didn’t make it easier for me to drink enough water every day, though—here are some strategies that’ve really helped me.

1. Set yourself up for success.

I set four pint-sized glasses full of water on the kitchen counter the night before. They’re ready for me from the moment I get up in the morning. This helps because:

• I’m able to sip water throughout the day, which is better than gulping it down in one or two sittings, and
• Because they’re right in front of me, I actually remember to take a swig.

I often I finish all my glasses by 2 pm, which means I get the added benefit of feeling like a superstar.

2. Let your snacks hydrate you.

I was in the habit of eating mostly dry foods: pretzels, crackers, popcorn, chips. These foods are low in water content. Fresh fruits and veggies are high in water content, which is one (of many) reasons they’re so instrumental in a healthy diet.

I need quick foods to eat during the day, so I set up a snack tray before going to bed. The next day, I had sliced, chopped, bite-sized fruits and veggies waiting in the fridge when I needed a munchie. This one strategy helps a host of other benefits—staying hydrating is one of them.

A normal mid-day plate has sliced one apple, some baby carrots, a sliced cucumber, berries (usually blueberries), a sliced red pepper, and a couple broccoli florets. I sometimes rotate in grapes, cauliflower, pears, or oranges.

3. Spread out your supplements.

I use my vitamins as additional hydration. I split them into three piles and take them during meal times. I’m not always good at getting in all three meals (unfortunately), but I do sit my kids down for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I capitalize on this time to take my supplements.

I make sure that each time I pour a large glass of water and drink it while taking the pills.

Simple wellness habits often produce the most significant changes to our health.