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Article by BR Natalie
The first week of our 4 Week Water Challenge is well under way, and whilst we probably wouldn't make for an amazing after photo yet, we should be noticing some changes.
What has struck us about drinking water is that if you're not actively focusing on hydrating your body then you are probably more dehydrated than you think! Which makes taking this challenge even better, as we can remind each other to DRINK!
If you're taking the challenge the most obvious (and frankly annoying) change will be the increase in trips to the bathroom. Rest assured - this will not last forever and it is a sign that you really needed to increase your water! Water retention is caused when your body doesn't know when the next dose of water is coming; so it holds on to what water it can. When you start to increase your water your body no longer needs to retain it and it will start to release all that stored up water. TMI warning - when you're drinking enough water your pee will be a clear pale straw colour.
If you've been replacing sugary or caffienated beverages for water; first off - good on you! You might be feeling a little 'off' or have an annoying headache. This isn't an ill affect of water; it's likely withdrawel symptoms, which will pass in a few days.
If you thought your skin was going to miraculously improve overnight you might be a bit disappointed by that spot on your chin (or is that just me?!). It's quite simple really - all those toxins we want flushed out? They need an exit door! Again this will not be a permanent side effect!
Our top tip for increasing water is not to focus on the amount you should be drinking, at least not straight away. It can be a little disheartening to look at that 2 litre bottle and think "I must drink this". Instead just make a conscious effort to drink water through the day. As it becomes part of your routine you'll find yourself drinking more.
Here's a few tips to increasing your water intake:
- Have a drink of water with every snack and meal.
- Drink flavoured water or diluted squash if you're not a fan of water - you're likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag. Just sip as you go.
Next week we'll look a little more in depth about the wonderful things water does for our bodies, and we'll check in with some of our members who are taking the challenge.
XoX
In the last two months i have upped my water in take to around 2-3 litres a day, on the advise of my physio who said i would notice the effect after a few weeks and he was right! i have a bottle with me at work and drink around 3 of these during the day and then another bottle at night. I definitely feel better for it and would recommend it to anyone, i still drink a black coffee in the morning and often a juice or wine later on but the hydration is so much better, my skin is smoother and softer, and i feel much better inside