Can you guess?
What is the most common NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY in North America?
It’s WATER.
Most people simply don’t drink enough water, and many chronically live with the symptoms of mild dehydration: fatigue, low mood, cravings, cramps and headaches.
If you want more energy, clearer skin, fewer aches and pains, a stronger immune system or fat loss (and I’m guessing you want at least one from that list!), make sure to drink your water.
I get it though… if drinking water isn’t something you regularly do, it takes some effort to make sure you drink enough.
Here are some ways to stay hydrated:
- Carry a water bottle around with you. This simple habit helped my husband dramatically increase his water intake (he was one of the many who didn’t drink nearly enough water). Personally, I bring a water bottle with me wherever I go. At home, I fill up a large mason jar with water, and drink with a straw. It may seem silly, but drinking from a straw is slightly easier than drinking from a water bottle, and I drink more.
- Habit stack. If you forget to drink water, pair your water habit with something you currently do. For example, you might drink one glass of water right before your morning coffee.
- Track your habit. To keep this habit in mind, track it. Many of my clients have had success with a habit tracker on their fridge or in their planner.
- Set reminders. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to drink, or download an app to remind you (yes, there’s an app for that). You can even purchase water bottles with built-in trackers.
- Add cucumber or lemon slices to your water for flavour. Bonus: lemon juice is a natural electrolyte. This brings me to my next point:
- Consider adding electrolytes if it’s really hot, you’re sweating a lot, or working out outside. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my energy levels since adding a pinch of unrefined sea salt to my water.
Bottom line: DRINK WATER!
While it’s on your mind, go fill up your glass with water and drink up!
-Tanja x
