H20 Yes, It's THAT important.

I'm sure by now you've heard to drink more water.  But do you listen?  I have people ask all the time what the best supplements are or about "diet" drinks.  My answer is the same.  Good ol' H2O.  Seriously it is SO important to get your water in, especially if you're working on your health or losing weight.

How much water should I be drinking?

Take your weight in lbs.  Divide it by 2.  Take that number in ounces and there you go!  You need to be trying to drink at LEAST that much water a day.  For example, a woman that weighs 160 lbs should be getting in at least 80 ounces of water.  

Benefits of Water

1. Energy Booster-  The most common cause of fatigue is dehydration.  Drink a couple glasses when feeling fatigued and you should start feeling more alert.
2. Increases Metabolism- which in turn promotes weight loss.
3. Healthy Skin-  The more hydrated your body is the better your skin will look!
4. Flush out Toxins- Get rid of that stuff!
5. Regulates body temp- Very important during exercise and hot days.
6. Prevents Constipation-  Need I say more?
7. Helps build and repair Muscle- Vital in muscle recovery.
8. Combats bloating-Yes, I know it sounds counter productive but the more water you drink the less you will bloat!
9. Lubricates and cushions your joints-  Helping to reduce the risk of developing arthritis.
10. You NEED it!!-  Seriously, your body just NEEDS IT!!                           

Tips to get more water in!

1. Add fruit!  Try out different kinds and see which flavors you like best.  MUCH better than all the artificial flavorings that are available.  You can buy pitchers or single serve bottles to infuse your own and have it ready for you whenever you want!
2. Coffee drinker?  Drink some lukewarm water with lemon in the morning.  You still get your warm drink plus all the benefits of the fresh lemon!
3. Invest in a cute bottle!  Find a bottle you love and buy it.  The more you like your bottle the more you will keep it with you.
4. Try it with a straw!  Switch it up a little and try drinking through a straw.  You'll be able to drink larger amounts in a shorter amount of time.
5. Track intake with apps!  There are lots of apps to try on your phone Waterlogged is a great one.
6. Or go old school and write it on your bottles!  Mark your gallon jug or bottles with times to make sure you get it in.
7. Always take a bottle in the car.  Driving to work?  Drink up.  To the gym?  Drink up. Ballgames and practices?  You guessed it, drink up!  Make it a habit to always have water with you on the go.  Keep it fresh though,  don't leave bottles in the sun all day and then drink them. 
8. Find what works for you.  Some people like it super cold.  Some like it warmer.  Try different things out until you learn the way you prefer it then stick with it.
9. Make it a contest!  We do this a lot in our online fitness groups.  Make everyone keep track and see who can get the most in!  Try it with your coworkers or spouse.  You can even place a little wager to make it more interesting ;)
10. Get rid of the other stuff.  Let's face it, if you have a 12 pack of pop in the fridge you're probably going to drink it.  The less other stuff you drink the more water you will drink!  Your body knows it needs it.  Fill it up with the good stuff!

Any other great ideas to add?  Let us know in the comments!  If we get more tips and tricks we'll add them to the list!