August 09th, 2018

We all should be drinking 8-10 cups of water a day,... and fruit juice, soda or coffee doesn’t count.  If it’s a hot day and you’re outside, or you are vigorously exercising, bump it up another 50%!  The problem is accurately keeping track of how many glasses we have drank without using an app.  I have found in the evening if my voice is hoarse or my skin feels dry, I know I am woefully behind my 8-10 cups of water consumption.
 
When the body is dehydrated your entire system is dehydrated.  Ever noticed the leaves on a plant when it’s thirsty?  They are wilted.  My cactus actually shrivels up.  Our system do the same.  Try gettting a blood draw when you’re dehydrated, the phlebotomist will not be able to find your vein. Our skin dries, our brain shrivels, kidney stones can form and bacteria can build up causing UTIs.  Dehydration can affect blood pressure and brain fog as well as make you believe you are hungry when you’re actually thirsty, so drink up!
 
What is my simple app-free method?  I love my Beautycounter S’well bottle.  First of all, it’s a 2 cup capacity - 5 bottles seems more attainable than 10 cups, and it doesn’t sweat so I don’t have to worry about it when I have it in my tote next to my iPad.   Second, they come in all kinds of great designs!  In the morning I put five rubber bands at the top, as I empty the S’well I slip a band down to the bottom of the bottle and refill the bottle.  Each time I drain the bottle I slip another band down to the bottom.  At a glance I can see how I’m doing during the day.  The last thing I want is to try playing catch up at night, as I’ll be up every couple of hours and interrupting my sleep.  Goal: Have every band at the base before bedtime - if not by 7PM!  Do you find it hard to keep track of how much you’re drinking?