Do you drink enough water each day? Drinking water is often overlooked as a key component of staying healthy. Each person's daily water needs vary (activity level is one example of this) but a good starting point is half your body weight in ounces of water. I personally aim for a little more than half my bodyweight, especially during hot seasons, and increase my intake even more when I am breastfeeding (I aim for at least 100 ounces).

Water is vital to EVERY system in the body. Read that again. Research shows that your body is about 70% water so staying hydrated is important for everything from cellular functioning, delivering oxygen throughout your body, joint health, postponing muscle fatigue and much more. Also, fellow breastfeeding mamas, water consumption is key to ensuring a healthy breastmilk supply (breastmilk is over 85% water)!

Here are 5 tips to drink more water:

1. Take a water bottle or glass of water to bed with you and drink it in the morning as soon as you wake up. Room temp water is super easy for me to chug first thing in the am.

2. Drink a glass of water after every bathroom break. Sounds weird, I know, but linking water consumption with a daily activity everyone does is a great habit that is sure to boost your H20 intake.

3. Keep a water bottle (reusable is the way to go) with you and drink from it often. Refill it each time you finish it. I am much more likely to drink water if I have it handy.

4. If you can't stand plain water, flavor it. Keep a pitcher full of flavored water in your fridge. A few easy options include adding frozen berries, slices of lemon, or even cucumber slices and fresh mint.

5. Stick to a one-to-one rule when drinking alcohol. We all know that I love my wine, haha. I always try to make sure I've got my water bottle nearby though whether sipping Rosé at home or out to happy hour with friends. For every glass of wine I have, I make sure to have water as well! Alcohol can be dehydrating, so this is key.

What are you waiting for? Drink up!

xoxo,

Marlee