WATER!
DRINK MORE WATER!
Did that get your attention? Good.
I’ve been told that I am obsessed with water. Well there is a reason for it. Water is very important to our bodies. It’s so important that it takes up 55-55% of our bodies. There’s a lot of it, because it does a lot. First, it carries nutrients and other chemiclas to our cells and carries wastes out of it. Second, it regulates our body temperature. Third, it prevents dehydration. Dehydration, loss of body fluid caused by an inadequate amount of water, leads to fatigue, loss in performance, sugar craving, and a strain on the heart. Fourth, it controls metabolic function. Meaning, that drinking more water will increase your metabolism. Fifth, it keeps your liver fundctioning properly.
Thats a lot of stuff! Important stuff.
Given that water is responsible for all of these things, an adequate supply of water is necessary. Are you drinking enough though? Here’s how much water you should be consuming:
According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine,
-On average, 96 ounces per day. 8 ounces for every 25 pounds carried above ideal weight.
-Even more if you are exercising briskly or in a hot climate.
In addition to that also,
-16 ounces 2 hours before exercise
-20-40 ounces for every hour of exercise
-16 ounces after exercise
Basically, you should be drinking your 96 ounces outside of the water that you drink during exercise.
If you are running to the bathroom, then you are doing it right. It is hard to adjust to, but I guarantee you that if you keep a good intake of water, you will see great improvement in body composition and functioning. So drink up!
