
Week 3 of our #JDVHealthyMe Challenge already! Times flies when you’re having fun! We’ve been really impressed by the commitment so many of you have shown to our #MoveMe and #NourishMe weeks and we hope you’ll continue with this week’s focus on hydration. Staying hydrated seems like such simple thing that we don’t really pay much attention to it, we just drink when we’re thirsty right? But waiting until we’re gasping for a drink usually means that we are de-hydrated and probably have been for some while, adversely affecting many of our body’s functions from digestion to excretion, breathing to sweating, muscle function to thinking – all these processes require water and if we don’t take in enough water, every process our body undertakes is impaired, it simply cannot function effectively and our metabolism slows down as a result.
So, this week, we want you to really think about staying properly hydrated and, if you know you’re a bit of a caffeine junkie, take this opportunity to cut back a little on your tea, coffee and fizzy drink intake.
As a rough guide, most adults should be aiming to drink around 8 large glasses (2 litres of water) a day so here are some easy ways to get a little more H2O in your life:
*Lemon water in the morning – most of us are guilty of reaching for a tea or coffee to kick start us in the morning, but this week we want you to switch to a big glass of warm water and freshly squeezed lemon. This has many health benefits, so many in fact that we’ll be adding a blog about it later in the week – keep your eyes peeled!
*Keep a water bottle or container with you at all times to sip on, have a glass at your desk (and opt out of the ‘tea round’ now and again) or keep a glass by the tap in the kitchen, so that every time you are out there you drink up some of this elixir of life.
*Have a glass of water as you prepare your meals and sip some while you are eating.
*Swap your usual late night brew for a herbal tea instead. There are some fantastic flavours available – we love Pukka Herbs range; Lemon, ginger & manuka, Golden chamomile, Elderberry & echinacea, Supreme matcha, Cinnamon, Ginger… the list is endless.
*You don’t have to drink just plain water – fruit infused water makes a refreshing change and is simple to make; add some chopped fresh fruits or veggies into a jug of water and store in the fridge for a few hours. Try strawberry, lemon & basil or citrus fruits & cucumber.
*Coconut water is another great, naturally hydrating option – perfect after a workout!
We want to see lots of pictures of you drinking (water!) wherever you are. Go grab a glass now and get posting #JDVHealthyMe