Image Source: Google Images

I have personally always struggled with drinking enough water throughout my day, some days I am on point and some days…not so much. Water is one of the most important life sources we have access to. Did you know that a human cannot live beyond 7 days without water? I’d say it’s a pretty important commodity. I say ‘commodity’ because in my opinion we are slowly losing access to good clean water. The bottled water industry, in my opinion is the most non-regulated industry in the US and frankly it scares the crap out of me. Don’t even got me started on the water in your sink! If you have access to a spring USE it. (I won’t elaborate, that would be a WHOLE other topic…I’ll do an article on this soon…it’s truly life changing.)  I’ve just got way too much to say about water!  

So to the point of this post…recently I read a fascinating article about calculating how many ounces you should be consuming based on your body weight. Ever since I calculated mine out and figured out what my daily intake should be I find it a lot easier to stay on track and drink my water! 

Here’s how you do it…

1. Weigh yourself.  The notion that we are only supposed to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is not entirely accurate. It would only make sense that our water intake should be based on our body weight. A 120 pound woman will require much less water than a woman who weights 180 pounds. 

2. Consider your exercise routine. Don’t forget that if you are very active your body will expel the water you have consumed when you sweat. So be sure to compensate based on your personal routine. Listen to your body it will tell you when you need more water, but if you are wondering how much more water to consume; I believe that you should add 10-16 ounces more to your daily intake for every 30 minutes of a workout. 

3. The Calculation. This part is easy, multiply your body weight by 2/3 or 67% if you are like me and hate fractions. For example, if you weight 165 pounds, divide that number by 67% and you get 111 ounces. It’s easy!

My recommendations…

Infuse your water. If you do not like water and think it’s too ‘plain’ tasting spruce it up with some lemon or mint leaves or even your favorite berries. One of my faves is cucumber, although I mostly drink my water plain(cause I absolutely love the taste of water) I still do enjoy infused water from time to time. 

Keep drinking water. Even if you currently cannot stand water you will find that as time passes you will start craving it, I used to have to force myself to drink water and now I cannot get enough. 

Drink a glass of water before each meal. it will help you to feel fuller and in turn that will help curb your appetite, and who doesn’t want to trim that waistline?

Drink out of a glass that tells you how many ounces it holds. I find it a lot easier to track my daily intake by using glasses that tell you the ounce-age. I also use a note pad on my desk at work and write down how many glasses I drink and I always try to make sure I hit my goal by the end of the day. 

A Quick-Check Chart (Just for you…cause I’m nice!)

100 Pounds – 67 Ounces

110 Pounds – 74 Ounces

120 Pounds – 80 Ounces

130 Pounds – 87 Ounces

140 Pounds – 94 Ounces

150 Pounds – 101 Ounces

160 Pounds – 107 Ounces

170 Pounds – 114 Ounces

180 Pounds – 121 Ounces

190 Pounds – 127 Ounces

200 Pounds – 134 Ounces

End Note: If you are continuously in the bathroom throughout the day then you are doing it right! Don’t stress, just consider the fact that you are hydrating and cleansing your body and believe me your body thanks you. 

*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a certified health professional, the above article is my opinion only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your family physician for further information.