This week from 11 – 17 March 2019 is ‘Nutrition and Hydration Week’.  There are many ways to make sure you meet your daily need for water.  Why not try some of the following:

  • Use a visual reminder by taking a bottle of water with you and putting it in your eyeline or if you’re working at a desk next to your mouse, laptop or device.  To start a new habit, you could invest in a nice water bottle!  Glass or steel bottles are best because they don’t contain plastics but if you choose plastic, look for ones which don’t contain BPAs or phthalates.
  • Add some flavour and enjoy experimenting. As well as the more obvious lemon or lime, you could try adding strawberries, grapefruit, basil, rosemary or mint.  A drop of an essential oil such as orange or lemon extract makes water very refreshing too – look for oils safe for consumption.
  • Herbal teas are great – there are so many different types to try!  Some taste just as nice if you brew then chill them overnight and you can fill a jug with tea and sip throughout the day. Try adding some extra flavours as above or some ice on a warm day.
  • Caffeinated tea and coffee does still count, just aim to stick to one or two and try to drink an extra glass of water for each cup of coffee.
  • Lots of fruits and vegetables have a high water content and have the added bonus of fibre for digestion.  Think of juicy fruits such as oranges, peaches, melon, grapefruit and berries.  Good vegetable choices would be cucumber, celery, lettuce, courgette, tomatoes and peppers.
  • Soups and broths count too! Understandably the more watery versions provide more but generally they are great for hydration.
  • Coconut water is a great source of water and electrolytes but other surprising sources of water include milk, yogurt and nut milks.

Have fun experimenting!

If you would like to know more about Nutritional Therapy and how it may enhance your health, feel free to contact Victoria Bell by phone on 07873 121616 or email [email protected] or find out more at www.victoriabellnutrition.co.uk.

by Victoria Bell, Nutritional Therapist