While there is that cookie-cutter answer “you should drink 64 ounces of water per day” that’s simply a recommendation and it’s actually different for everyone. There are a lot of factors that help determine how much water you should drink every day, for example, your age, your health, what you’ve eaten recently, or what climate you live in. So while 64 ounces is a great place to start there are many people that should be drinking more than that a day especially if you sweat a lot. Others individuals who are at risk of dehydration are the elderly as well as young children and athletes.
One of the best ways to tell if you need to be drinking more water is to check the color of your urine. Look for a typical color close to light lemonade; in fact, a great way to picture it is thinking about Chic Fil A… wait, what? Yes, picture the lemonade and the ice tea behind the counter, got it? Great, lemonade equals hydrated, iced tea color urine equals dehydrated. As I am writing this I realize the damage I may have caused to your beverage chose at Chic Fil A and for that, I apologize. Check out this chart below to see how hydrated you are!
Pro tip: Check your urine first thing in the morning for the most accurate reading and remember it can take up to 48-72 hours to rehydrate after exercise or being exposed to heat so hydrate early and often! 🙂
Take Care, Joanna
Photo taken from: https://www.usada.org/resources/nutrition/fluids-and-hydration/
For more help building healthy hydration habits and good nutrition to fuel your body and mind, schedule an appointment with a registered dietitian or nutrition coach at Vita Nutrition Services. Our offices are located in Collingswood, NJ but we also offer online counseling if needed.
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