WET YOUR APPETITE

Water.  Every body needs it.  In fact every living thing on Earth depends on it for survival.  While a certain amount is needed to merely survive, it's certainly far less than what we should be taking in each day to not just survive, but thrive.  Here in Canada we have easy access to clean drinking water right in our homes, it's available free in most public establishments and yet most people do not consume even close to what their bodies need on a consistent basis.

Water makes up two-thirds of our body weight, supports every one of our body's systems and has an impact on all of our bodily functions.  Check out this link to a visual I found on the Mayo Clinic's website highlighting the major functions of water in our bodies: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/functions-of-water-in-the-body/img-20005799

In addition to supporting all of our bodies' major systems, staying hydrated also helps to flush out fat and toxins.  And replacing caffeinated and/or sugary beverages with straight up water helps improve focus, mental clarity, concentration and energy.  Adding a wedge of fresh lemon doesn't just make it taste better, it actually helps increase your body's level of alkalinity, a key element for fighting disease.  Although not essential for survival, having all of these benefits definitely makes life more enjoyable, more productive and gives us greater ability to be present every day in our jobs, with our friends, our spouse and with our kids. 

So just how much water should we be consuming each day to remain hydrated, support our bodies and thrive?  Ladies, we should be drinking two to three litres (8-12 cups) per day and guys, you need to be knocking back three to four litres (12-16 cups) per day consistently for optimum health. Many of you may in fact be doing this already but for some, this may seem overwhelming.  Start small.  If you currently consume only one or two glasses per day, simply aim to add one more and stay consistent for a few days.  Then try having a glass or two every time you have a meal or snack (if you're following your PFCs every 3, then that's at least 5 cups right there!). 

I encourage my clients to purchase a water bottle, note the volume it holds and then determine how many full bottles they should be drinking to reach their daily goals.  It's a lot less overwhelming to visualize downing 3 or 4 water bottles than it would be thinking about trying to get through 16 glasses.  Whatever your method, make sure it's something you can stick to rather than it becoming just a soggy idea.  Drink up!