How much water do you drink? Is 8 glasses a day still the recommended amount? Does coffee count? If you haven’t guessed already our One Healthy Change a Month challenge for April is drinking enough water. What does this have to do with travel? Keep reading.
When Alan and I lived in Tucson, Arizona, it was easy to drink our daily supply of water. Who wouldn’t be thirsty in that dry heat? It’s other times of the year that are a problem for me, especially in winter. And then there’s the challenge of drinking enough water during a trip. I’m either trying to avoid the bathroom on the airplane or having too much fun on an active travel excursion to think about water intake.
But, first, about those 8 glasses a day—according to Mayo Clinic, you should be drinking at least that amount or more to “flush toxins out of vital organs, carry nutrients to your cells and provide a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.” Water also increases your energy level. Often we interpret thirst as hunger so drink a glass of water before reaching for food (a great tip for our losing one pound a month challenge). And water intake increases depending on the amount of exercise you are doing and the climate. But that doesn’t mean you have to chug-a-lug gallons of water at a time—milk, juices, caffeinated beverages, even wine count, although most of your intake should be plain water. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content contribute, too.
So how do we drink enough water while traveling?
- Pack a BPA free water bottle and fill it up frequently. Alan and I use the Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle
but the Pocket Bottles Reuseable Water Bottle is especially convenient for flying or when carryon space is limited. - For every cup of coffee, tea, soda, glass of wine that you drink, match it with a glass of water.
- Board the plane extra-hydrated. After passing through airport security, fill up a BPA free bottle with water from a drinking fountain or purchase bottled water. Drink it completely before boarding the flight.
- While stopping for fuel or on a road trip stretch break (remember our stretching challenge?), drink 8 ounces of water. And fill your BPA free water bottle for the road.
- Do you have a hard time remembering to drink water? Establish a habit by setting water break reminders on your smartphone.
- Snack on high-water content fruits like watermelon, strawberries, rasberries and blueberries.
Don’t forget about safe drinking water habits when traveling internationally. Read these important tips from The Independent Traveler.
Are you drinking enough water? Share your tips with us. Or, if you need to improve your water drinking ways, join our challenge. I’ll be reporting on my progress at the end of the month.
It’s not too late to join our challenge. Click One Healthy Change a Month to read more.
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