We've got your water basics covered for life under the hot Texas sun.
If it hasn't been drilled into your head from day one: It's important to drink a lot of water. People of average weight should drink 96 ounces of water per day. For every 25 pounds overweight you are, you'll need an additional 8 ounces of water daily.
In perspective, one plastic water bottle at the gym won't cut it. You'll need to drink the equivalent of six average-sized water bottles to keep your body healthy. At 50 pounds overweight, you'll need seven water bottles (but remember your reusable containers, please).
Drinking the recommended amount of water isn't always easy on the go. Personal fitness trainer Kippi Roberson of Just 4 U Fitness offered tips she gives to her clients for staying hydrated.
1. Make your water appetizing. "I keep my water in a great big green, clear, see-through container. In the summer I fill it full of ice and put limes, lemons and orange slices in it. It looks more inviting, so I'm more apt to drink it."
2. Keep it in the family. By encouraging your kids to adopt the same fruit-filled water, you can keep your whole family hydrated and stay on track yourself.
"How many times do we look at something and think it looks good when it really doesn't taste that great?" Roberson said. "Kids see my water and say, "Oh, I want some!" They drink it up, and they're just drinking water!"
3. Find water-rich foods. "Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet: watermelon, tomatoes, oranges (good but high in sugar) and cantaloupe."
4. Remember to check the nutrients. "I hate iceberg lettuce. It's nothing but water, but it's a not a good food source. If you're going to have lettuce, it needs to be romaine lettuce or something dark and leafy like spinach or spring mix. Lettuces have more water in them, but don't go for the iceberg."
5. Keep your alcohol intake in check. Roberson recommends drinking at least one glass of water in between every beer.
"If you're out in the sun, drink a beer, then a water, and so on. For one thing, you won't get drunk as fast, but you'll also stay hydrated."
Dehydration, especially in the summer months, causes serious repercussions. If you're not drinking enough, cells will not have enough water to keep you functioning. Dizziness, sunstroke, and cramps can ruin a fun day in the sun. Friends don't let friends get dehydrated.
