Staying Waterlogged

[Simo_882]

We've all heard it a million times: drink more water! It's like the universal health mantra. And for good reason – it's essential for everything from energy levels to digestion. But sometimes, life just gets in the way, right? What are some simple tricks you've found to actually remember to drink enough water throughout the day?

[Activity2004 Visitor]

I keep track of my water intake by writing it in a notebook and log it on my health app for the cellphone.

[Simo_882 Visitor in reply to Activity2004]

Cool! I like the way you're combining the notebook and the app. Smart thinking.

[Activity2004 Visitor in reply to Simo_882]

Thank you, Simo_882 . I was told that I had to keep track so I don’t drink too much liquid during the day.

[Simo_882 Visitor in reply to Activity2004]

That makes sense! It's important to stay hydrated, but it's also good to listen to your body!

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone]

Yes, it is like a mantra, and a misleading one.

A healthy aim is to be hydrated, not to drink water. Water is just one source of hydration: tea and coffee hydrate us, as does much of the food we eat. Somehow, the original recommendation of our average fluid requirement turned into a something about glasses of water - a mantra, as you say, with little thought behind it.

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

Are you on a weight loss journey? That's what this forum is about

[Hidden in reply to BridgeGirl]

Appreciate the clarification. For weight loss and overall health, I still believe drinking enough water is essential - it's calorie-free and helps control hunger. In fact, water's unique benefits make it the best choice for those trying to lose weight. Unlike sugary drinks or juices, water doesn't add empty calories or sugar to our diets. Additionally, water boosts metabolism and helps us feel fuller longer, making it an ideal choice for weight loss. So, while other hydrating fluids have their benefits, I'll stick with water as my primary source of hydration.

[springersrule Moderator 76kg in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lesley, thanks for taking the time to give your opinion on this matter, they are always welcome.

Can I ask are you on a weight loss journey yourself or just visiting? If the former, please let me know and I'll give you the full welcome xx

[Hidden in reply to springersrule]

Yes, I am in the process of losing more weight.

60 + pounds down so far.

[springersrule Moderator 76kg in reply to Hidden]

Thats great Leslie, if you know what I mean lol

Welcome to our very friendly peer to peer support forum. You'll find lots of members willing to give and receive advice, support and friendship here.

We advise anyone new to go to our pinned posts and have a scroll through them and get a feel for them. As a minimum the Weekly Weigh In (chose a day that suits you) and the Daily Diary are a good place to start. Check out the others and see what takes your fancy too

Here's a link to the pinned posts: healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey xx

[Simo_882 Visitor in reply to BridgeGirl]

Thanks for the input, BridgeGirl! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on hydration. Hopefully, we can still gather some practical tips for staying hydrated in general.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to Simo_882]

There's a simple practical tip for staying hydrated: drink when you're thirsty.

Are you on a weight loss journey? That's what this forum is about

[Dippyeggs 2 stone SS Supercook 2024 August]

I think the only time modern medical advice to drink X amount of water (beyond when you feel thirsty), is when you're on a VLCD. And the reason is partly to help you feel full. But mostly, because your body is not getting as much hydration from food as it normally would, because obviously you're not eating as much food. I seem to think Dr Michael Mosley suggests 2 to 3 litres of water daily, on the Fast 800 diet.

[Simo_882 Visitor in reply to Dippyeggs]

Thanks for sharing that, Dippyeggs! I'm not too familiar with VLCDs, so that's helpful information. It sounds like hydration needs can really vary depending on different factors. What are some general tips for staying hydrated that you've found useful?

[1vern0n Visitor]

I always find the time to drink a glass of water or tea every hour until teatime.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to 1vern0n]

Hi, 1vern)n, do you have a problem with your thirst mechanism? What's the idea of a drink every hour? There's a lot of mythology behind the "drink X amount of water" messaging.

Are you on a weight loss journey? If so, I'll explain how to make the most of the forum as it's a long while since you were last here

[1vern0n Visitor in reply to BridgeGirl]

Drinking water is incredibly important and many people do not drink enough, it can have massive health benefits and aids digestion, helping rid your body of toxins and will improve and hydrate your skin.

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to 1vern0n]

Which toxins?

Hydration is what matters and we maintain hydration with other drinks, and with the foods we eat.

There is no physiological reason for drinking X amounts of water at Y periods during the day. There is, however, plenty of mythology healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

[Simo_882 Visitor]

Thanks, I appreciate the tip!

[timdavid010 Visitor]

Carry a bottle, set reminders, add flavor, and drink before meals—simple and effective! What’s your go-to trick?

[BridgeGirl Administrator 2 stone in reply to timdavid010]

Unless you are unwell and/or on a very restricted diet, you can rely on your thirst mechanism to tell you when to drink

[Frenchfields Restart Jan 2025 in reply to BridgeGirl]

Interesting thread, nice to read various opinions. I will say I don’t have a very good thirst mechanism, and rarely feel ’thirsty’ so there are probably others who are similar. I drink plenty ( I don’t measure or worry about it) tea, coffee, black coffee, water. My doctor said be guided by the colour of your pee, if its light your fine, if its dark or strongly coloured then you probably need to drink something. Haapy pee checking, everyone

[PandQs Maintainer 3st 7lbs in reply to Frenchfields]

Hi Frenchfields, I’m with you on that one. Having had bladder cancer, The NHS were always seemed impressed by samples that were clear and the colour of light straw. 👍