Water is the only indispensable drink in life. A proper hydration is essential for the functioning of our body and each of its cells, and as a bonus, both our skin, our hair and face all look better for it.
Water makes up 80% of a newborn’s body, falling to 60% in an elderly person. With age, water is replaced by fat. However, it is no less essential for a retiree than it is for an infant! Continuously eliminated by urine and perspiration (the removal of water by the skin and lungs), we should replenish our body with 2.5 litres of water on a daily basis (1litre normally comes from food). However, the body needs a greater water-intake in circumstances that increase dehydration: vomiting, diarrhoea, taking laxatives and the consumption of alcohol (which are diuretics), or during any sort of physical activity and during excessive heat, which makes you sweat more than usual.
How do you know if you are dehydrated?
Most often, mild dehydration is manifested by fatigue, headaches and dry lips. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration, but by the time you are feeling thirsty that means you are already dehydrated. That is why you should drink regularly, even before getting thirsty. When dehydrated, your urine becomes darker because it is less diluted, and your skin will lose its elasticity: if you pinch the skin on your arm and it doesn’t go back to its original state as quickly as usual, then you probably need a big glass of water!
What are the consequences?
As water is essential for the proper functioning of our cells and the production of blood, we can only live for about 3 days without drinking – dehydration quickly becomes fatal. To a lesser extent, water loss is associated with a decrease in your intellectual and physical abilities on a daily basis, causing fatigue, a difficulty in concentrating and reduced memory.
It’s also important to remember that water plays an important role in evacuating waste and toxins produced by your body! When dieting, it therefore helps you lose weight in an harmonious way, and reduces snacking between meals as it momentarily satiates you.
How to drink more?
Some apps offer a regular alert to remind you to drink water more often. To make this easier, always keep a water bottle close by, setting yourself a challenge to achieve before the end of the day, like drinking twice the content of the water bottle before going home. Setting goals can motivate you to drink more and more regularly, especially when done in a group!
In our Bikini program, we encourage you to drink regularly with gourmet and healthy drink recipes. Our qualified dieticians will help you find your ideal weight with regular consultations and with custom-made menus which are 100% adapted to your needs, your tastes and the time you have for cooking. Our recipes are quick, easy-to-make and well-balanced so you end up with the maximum amount of time after work!