8 Ways To Know If You Are Drinking Enough Water
Our bodies are approximately two-thirds water, and each day we lose some of this through processes such as sweating, breastfeeding, and urinating.
Water is needed by the body in order to function, so we need to keep ourselves hydrated all the time (and don’t wait until you feel thirsty to do so).
Water is also essential for weight loss if you’re following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge. It flushes the toxins out of your system, keeps your digestive system in good shape, and can even help avoid overeating (as we often mistake thirst for hunger).
That’s why you can track your water intake on the free 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge app!
Just think how a plant looks when it is limp and dehydrated. Keep yourself well watered while you’re following a healthy eating plan like the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge and it will help you look your best.
How much water should I drink?
Everyone is different, and your requirements depend on your age, weight, and how active you are each day.
But as a general rule, aim for around 64 ounces of water per day (or more if you can). For breastfeeding moms, you’ll need to increase this even more, to cover the demands of milk making. Ever noticed how you feel immediately thirsty when your baby latches on? That’s your body telling you to have your water bottle ready at feeding time!
Drinks such as coffee, cola, and alcohol can actually make you more dehydrated so are best enjoyed in moderation.
Not sure if you’re having enough? Answer our 8 questions below:
1. Do you always take a bottle of water out with you?
As a mom, you’re probably super efficient at packing a bag for the park with your child’s snacks, sweater, wipes, diapers, spare clothes, favorite toys and of course a drink.
But how often do you remember to pack your own drink? Taking a water bottle everywhere you go is a great habit to get into. It encourages you to sip throughout the day and it also means you’ll be less tempted by sugary drinks when you’re out and about.
2. Do you wake up with water?
Another great habit to get into is to put a glass or bottle of water by your bed. As soon as you wake in the morning, drink it all.
It’s a great start to the day as it gives your system a quick blast of hydration to get things moving.
3. Do you have a glass of water with all meals?
Enjoying some water when you eat your 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge meals and snacks is a great way to keep yourself hydrated.
Try to get out of the habit of having soda or alcohol with meals, as these can dehydrate you further (plus you are taking on empty calories and zero nutrition).
4. Do you need to use the bathroom several times per day?
If you are drinking enough water each day, you should need to urinate several times per day. If you are going hours and hours without needing a bathroom break, this could be a sign that you are dehydrated and should be drinking more water.
Dehydration can leave you feeling flat, tired, fuzzy in the head and can also give you bad headaches.
5. Is your urine clear or light in color?
Look at your urine color next time you urinate. It should be clear or at least a light color. If it is dark it is a sign that you need to drink more water.
It is natural for your urine to be slightly darker first thing in the morning after sleeping for many hours without drinking.
6. Do you have comfortable bowel movements?
Your body needs water in order to get rid of waste from your system. If you are not drinking enough it makes it more difficult to form a stool, as your body will start to extract the water from it.
This in turn makes it harder for your stools to come out (hello constipation). Many people find that issues of constipation are solved by upping their water intake. You could make it a habit that every time you are at the kitchen sink, you fill a cup with water and drink it all.
7. Does your skin bounce back from the pinch test?
If you think you might be dehydrated, try pinching the skin on the back of your hand for several seconds.
When you let go, if your skin quickly bounces back to its original place you are hydrated; whereas skin that takes a few seconds to slowly move back could mean you are dehydrated.
8. Are you topping up your water when needed?
You can’t just stick to the 64 ounce per day rule without allowances. If the weather is extremely hot, or you have been for a long walk, played some sport, are breastfeeding, or have done some exercise you will need to drink more water in order to replace the additional fluids you have lost.
So how did you do? If you don’t think you are drinking enough water it certainly won’t hurt to just try drinking more and see if you feel better.
Are you ready to become a Healthy Mommy?
Regain your body confidence with The Healthy Mommy’s 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
Our Challenge is designed by moms FOR MOMS – to help them reach their goal weight and tackle their health and fitness.
The Challenge is home to customizable meal plans, 24/7 social support and realistic exercises moms can do AT HOME.
To find out more on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge click here.
*Images and references to pounds lost are as supplied by the individual in the story. The Healthy Mommy assumes information and photographs supplied to be true in nature and is not responsible for any false misrepresentations or claims relating to their programs or products.
