Not sure if you’re getting enough H2O? Read on to find out how you can keep track, ideas for water inspo, and why you and your family need to drink more in the summer.
Have you ever had someone tell you that you need to drink 8 cups of water a day? In reality, everyone’s water or fluid needs are different. They vary with age, and can also change depending on other factors like the weather or your activity level.
For example, if you are playing sports, or spending lots of time outside, your fluid needs will go up!
- Am I Hydrated?
- What If I Don’t Like The Taste of Water?
- Sports Drinks, Sodas, and Juice
- Tips To Drink More Water
- Inspiration: Healthy Hydration Recipes
Am I Hydrated?
The easiest way to check if you’re hydrated is by checking the colour of your pee! The darker the colour, the less hydrated you are. A clear, pale yellow means you’re getting your daily dose of H2O.
What If I Don’t Like The Taste Of Water?
Not too keen on plain water? We get you. There are many ways we can spruce up our water! Before you reach for a sugary drink (see Sports Drinks, Sodas, and Juice), check out our ideas below to make your water more fun!
Hydration Ideas
(that aren’t plain water)
- Try fizzy or sparkling water
- Add slices of cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges, or fresh or frozen berries to your water for a subtle sweetness
- Add a splash of juice (juice on its own contains a lot of sugar, so try to add just a bit!)
- Drink herbal teas (hot in the winter or cold in the summer!)
- Have some soup or drink a smoothie! These are made up of mostly fluids
- Snack on fruit and veggies! These contain lots of water. Cucumbers or watermelon are great choices!
- Check out our recipes for tasty and fun hydration!
Sports Drinks, Sodas, and Juice
Sports drinks, sodas (pop or soft drinks), specialty coffee beverages, and juice have a large amount of sugar in them, without many other nutrients. It’s best to steer clear of these where possible. Even juice (while being made from fruit) contains A LOT of sugar and doesn’t have any fibre from the fruits themselves. Smoothies are a better choice. Excessive intake of sugary drinks has been shown to contribute to chronic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
When it comes to sports drinks, unless you are exercising intensely for more than 1 hour, you should not need these to re-hydrate your body. Water is still your best bet!
Remember if you are craving something sweet, try our Hydration Ideas listed above or our recipes at the bottom of this post.
Tips To Drink More Water
- Keep a glass or bottle of water with you at home so you can keep track of how much you drink
- Clear bottles or glasses can help remind you to drink
- Pack a water bottle to take with you when you go out
- Set alarms every hour or so to remind yourself to take a sip
- Try out our Hydration Ideas, or the recipes below if you don’t like the taste of plain water!
