I’ve never had anyone come into my office at an initial appointment and tell me “Lori, I have too much energy!”
But I have had countless people come back and say “Wow! I didn’t realize how tired I was…I feel so much better!”
Unhealthy habits sneak up on all of us…and usually it’s so gradual that we don’t even notice! Maybe we got busy with work, or raising a family, or taking care of a loved one, or simply checking things off our daily to-do list…so, how do we get ahead without taking two steps back??
The most effective way to IMPROVE our lifestyle is to start slow, with strategies that are proven and provide immediate results.
Enter: Hydration.
It seems so simple, right? But statistics show that nearly 75% of American adults are chronically dehydrated! In other words, on a daily basis we simply aren’t drinking enough water.
Water is used for nearly every cell in our body. It helps dilute our blood, which lowers our blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar is high, one of the most natural ways to help lower it is by drinking an 8 oz glass of water.
Being properly hydrated will also improve our energy levels, sharpen our mental clarity, improve our digestion, and help our body do the million things it is doing all day, every day…but more efficiently!
Exactly how much water do we need?
½ of your body weight, in fluid ounces, is a great starting point. For example, if you weigh 175 lbs, you would need approximately 88 ounces of water per day, which breaks down into about 11 cups per day (8 ounces in 1 cup).
And if you aren’t into measuring how much water you drink everyday, here is an EASIER method….look at the color of your urine! Yep. Pale yellow is the goal all day long and the best indication of adequate hydration.
Still not convinced?
Start increasing your water intake by trying 1 of the below options. Choose whatever method suits you best, but try dedicating yourself to 1 each day, for the entire week.
- Chug it! Pour a glass and drink it all immediately. This is my favorite, as I try and keep up with a toddler who’s always on the move 🙂
- Flavor it! Because flavor makes everything taste better. My favorite combos: 1.) Basil + strawberry 2.) rosemary + lemon 3.) mint + cucumber
- Clock it! Sip it throughout the day, but set a reminder to fill your glass every hour, while at work or juggling your daily to-do’s
- Eat it! Consume more water-containing foods (i.e. broth based soups, cucumbers, green bell peppers, and radishes)
- Bring it! Fill a big container (32 oz. or larger) and take it with you everywhere throughout the day. Rinse and repeat every few hours
- Buy It! Looking for some store-bought options? Here are my favorites: unsweetened iced tea like Teavana, La Croix or Trader Joe’s flavored sparkling waters, freshly brewed hot green or herbal tea, unsweetened almond milk, and good ‘ole plain black coffee. 🙂
Incorporate one of these (or more) into your day, and I promise, you’ll start having more energy while lowering your blood sugar!
And if you are looking for more simple ways to manage diabetes and blood sugar levels, be sure to download your free 7 day diabetes meal plan here. You will love the immediate results!
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