That’s right. It’s seemingly that simple. Just get a water bottle and you’ll be healthier. You’re thinking, yea, this guy is full of it, time to go read some real heath advice at webmd.com
Water Bottle
Photo Credit: Muffet
But I’m actually serious.
Now that the New Years Resolution Squad (NYRS) is out of the gym, after failing (for the 5th year in a row) to stick to the goal of going to the gym and losing weight, it’s time to break out some tips to help the person get on track in a fairly easy way and hopefully form a good habit that will aid them next January when they decide to go back to the gym and try to get fit/lose weight.
Getting yourself a water bottle is only the first step to this task, and the second one could prove far harder. You actually have to fill it (with water) and drink out of it during the day. I’d say the first place to start for this is to make sure you take it with you when you’re going to the office. Personally, I fill up my water bottle before I leave in the morning, and drink the contents on my way to work (it’s about 25 oz). Once I have it at the office, I keep it at my desk and have made it a habit to drink from it as much as possible. I’d estimate that I drink at least 1.5 gallons of water between the hours of 5am & 5pm. For those curious about how much to drink, 1 oz for every 2 lbs is a common metric. If you’re not sure or dont want to calculate, try finishing your water bottle 4 times a day. Now, I know what some of you are wondering…
What about my Coffee/soda/rockstar/green tea/other caffeine delivery vehicle?
I’m not suggesting you give up caffeine (not at this point anyway, that will make you hate my guts when you’re getting a pounding withdrawal headache and probably make the effort not worth it). Keep your caffeine in the morning, but I’d suggest keeping your water nearby your coffee cup, and after you have a sip of coffee, have some water. This will get you in the habit of reaching over and drinking some water during the day.
How will this help me stay healthy?
Great question. Drinking water is a good way to lose weight, stay full, and help your body run more efficiently. A well hydrated body will burn calories 3% faster and boost our metabolism. Drinking water will also make you feel more energetic.
Along with that, it can lead to a sustained energy without the caffeine “crash” that one typically feels in the afternoon, usually remdied with, you guessed it, more caffeine. By drinking water you’re crowding out room in your stomach for soda, which is full of sweeteners, sugars and other things that are of marginal benefit in moderation. You’ll replace the sugars and sweeteners with good old H20.
Drinking Water before meals can also make you full
Yup, that’s right, just like swapping out the soda for water, you can fill up room in your stomach with water before you have lunch or dinner and not eat as much, lowering your caloric intake and (possibly) causing you to lose weight.
Now that you’re curious, here are some other benefits of drinking water
- Regulate appetite
- Boost Energy
- Reduce high blood pressure & colesterol
- Improve skin
- Less likely to get sick
- Ease Headaches
Keep in mind everyone, your body is 75% water and your brain is 90% water. Keep both things hydrated and you’ll feel better, and even start to lose weight.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great health tips and very educational. Thanks for posting.
{ 3 trackbacks }