So we all know we need to stay hydrated. Sounds simple, but sometimes it is not so simple. This is one of the items on my daily to do list and yes I add it to my planner, because getting in enough fluids can be challenging for me. But staying hydrated is just a part of the path to wellness. I also needed to figure out what is the healthiest water because I do not want to hinder my path to wellness.

What kind of water is best?

Water is water, right? Well, actually it is not. Tap or bottled? Filtered, purified, mineral, well, or spring water? Which is best for me?? From what I understand it is best to avoid tap water, although it is technically “safe” to drink according to the EPA. But tap water may contain chemicals, metals, toxins and pesticides that can be harmful. By avoiding tap water you can reduce your exposure to these harmful substances. So tap water is out, but what kind of bottled water??

You can find article after article about what kind of bottled water you should be drinking. It can really be overwhelming. I decided that buying individual bottles or even 1 gallon bottles was very wasteful, so I did not want to go that route.

I looked into buying a filtering system for the house, they are pretty pricing but probably worth the investment if we were planning to stay in this house. Next, I looked at the Big Berkey water filtration system. Which actually looks like a pretty good option but also is on the pricey side and a bit of an investment. Our future plans include moving to a rural location with a well. So I am not sure if we will need to filter our water or not, but if we do I will definitely be considering the Berkey. So for now our best option was to buy 5 gallon bottles that can be refilled. We have a few locations around us, where we can refill our bottles with filtered water. It only costs a few bucks and to make it easier to dispense, we are using a ceramic crock and a stand.

How much water do I need to drink??

For as long as I can remember, it has always been recommended to drink 8 – 8oz servings of water per day. But recently the recommendation has changed… now it is advised that each person should drink the right amount of water for their body weight, level of physical activity and the climate. You should be drinking at least a 1/2 ounces of water for each pound that you weigh. So a 200 pound person should drink at least 100 ounces per day while a 100 pound person only needs 50 ounces per day.

Remember to increase your water in-take when exercising or when out in hot weather. It is suggested to increase the amount by 12 ounces for every 30 minutes you work out. And the best way to know if you are getting enough fluids when out in the heat or in general is by listening to your body.

Are you getting enough???

Urine color can directly relate to your body’s loss or gain of water and offers a reliable way to identify your hydration status. The lighter the urine is the more hydrated you are. (Note that urine color can be altered by some foods, medications and supplements.) Thirst is a sign your body needs more water. You may also feel hungrier when you’re dehydrated. Getting plenty of water may help reduce food cravings. Some other signs of dehydration include: dizziness or light-headedness, headache, tiredness, dry mouth, lips and eyes.

Ways to make it happen…

Somedays I really struggle to drink my water. If I get busy with things I will end up not reaching my goals. So I really need to be mindful of taking the time to drink my water. It can really be challenging on a busy work day. Here are some of the things I do to reach my daily water goals:

• Always keep a bottle of water with you during the day. I use a reusable stainless steel water bottle, I actually got one for everyone in the house.
• Add flavor to your water. My favorites are cucumber, lemon, mint or grapefruit.
• Drink extra water when taking supplements. I take them several times a day.
• Drink water before, during, and after a workout.
• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water.
• Keep a water bottle at your desk during the day.
• Don’t leave your water bottle empty.
• Keep a water bottle at your bedside, and start your day with a drink of water.
• If you have trouble remembering to drink water, (like me) drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed.
• Use a planner or an app to track your water consumption.
• Set reminders on your phone through out the day. I have these set to remind me to take my supplements and when I do I drink extra water.
• Make rules for yourself. Example: I won’t have a snack or something to eat until I drink this glass of water.

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