Water is good for you – but you know that already. How do you make sure you drink enough every day?

Water is good for you – but you know that already. How do you make sure you drink enough every day?

We all know that we should drink about 2 litres every day. That’s 8 glasses of water, more or less. That’s essential for almost every vital bodily function. When you don’t drink enough, it may cause headaches for example. However, it is not necessarily to carry bottles of water with you all day long. That fruit bowl you picked up at your Mindful café, for example, gave you a good dose of H2O. So how much – and how often – should you be drinking?

Listen to your body
The best way to know if you’re getting enough water is simply to listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, you probably need some hydration. On average, people need 1,5 to 2 litres a day. But if you’re more active or the outside temperature is really high, you may need more water.

Think outside the glass
When it comes to getting all of this water, it doesn’t have to come from just the tap. You can also use water-rich foods to help meet your needs. Fruits and vegetables are packed with water, especially melons, grapefruit, berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini. Even the water in coffee and other beverages counts. Just be careful that your drinks aren’t also adding in lots of extra calories.

Give it some flair
Perhaps you’re one of many who simply doesn’t like water. Be creative and give your glass of water an extra flavour. Spruce it up with a slice of lemon or lime, of add fresh herbs such as mint or basil. Very tasty as well are a few cubes of cut-up watermelon, strawberries, or mango.

The why of water
Water’s benefits go beyond essential bodily functions. Did you know that water promotes healthy-looking skin? Dry skin is more prone to wrinkling, making water an important tool in the fight against signs that give away our age.

It puts cravings in their place. Our bodies often mistake thirst for hunger, sending out cues to reach for snacks and sweets. But by staying hydrated you may save yourself calories your body isn’t actually craving. A good rule of thumb: If you ate within three hours and feel hungry, try drinking water and waiting 20 minutes to see if you’re still hungry.