Chandler-based fitness influencer, model, writer and mom-of-two, Lori Young, helps you calculate your “magic water number” and shares tips for getting to that number each and every day.
Drinking water is something that doesn’t come easily for everyone, including me. I am writing this to remind myself, just as much as I am writing to remind you, of the importance of drinking water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! One thing I have learned as a bikini competitor is that if you don’t stay hydrated, your physical performance can suffer.
Something that you can do to make sure you are getting enough is take your current body weight; for me, that number is 130. Divide that number by two. For me, that number is 65. I need at least 65 ounces of water a day, though I train hard and like to shoot for at least 80 ounces. That, my friends, is your magic water number.
Let’s discuss what happens when our bodies get dehydrated. Well, you most likely aren’t going to feel as motivated to get things done. You will feel more tired and lethargic, may find yourself with a headache and even weighing more when you step on the scale. I don’t know about you, but I have no time for any of those things!
So what are the benefits of drinking at least your magic number worth of water each day? You will have more energy to get things done, less brain fog and more focus, improved heart health and less toxins because they are being flushed out–literally. Less toxins can lead to clearer skin, and we all want that. A great tip: When you pick up the glass to drink water, take 10 big gulps. It really helps you to get more water in throughout your day so that you get less headaches, less cramps and a more regulated body temperature.
Another helpful tip is to sip on some BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids), which help with muscle recovery as well. My favorite is called Recover by FNX. (Grape-limeade is really tasty!) You can also add fresh fruit to your water to mix it up.