Remember when everyone and her mother — but especially your mother — was telling you to drink more water? If you don't drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day, you'll get dehydrated!, they cautioned. Divide your body weight in half, and drink that many ounces of water daily!, they yelled. It's true: It's really important that you consume enough water. That's why bottles that flash silently but obnoxiously when you're supposed to drink exist — because your mom can't come to work with you.
But, here's something the well-meaning quasi-doctors in your life forgot to tell you: There are good times to chug H20, and there are bad times — and how better for you to learn them than through horribly cheesy stock images?
BAD: While you're eating.
A little sip here and there isn't awful, but repeat after me: "I will not gulp glasses of water while eating." Doing so can wreak havoc on your digestion, since water dilutes your stomach's hydrochloric acid which helps break down food. If you chug, you'll likely wind up bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable.
GOOD: Before a meal.
That said, it's good practice to drink a little bit before you sit down to eat. Water helps you feel fuller, which means you'll be less likely to gorge on too much food when you're not even that hungry. Sip on a glass about 30 minutes before a meal.
BAD: During an intense workout.
This one goes against everything you've ever heard, right? Well, here's the thing: Your body needs electrolytes — like potassium and sodium — to prevent muscle cramping. Drinking too much water can dilute your body's supply leading to — yep — cramps. Beyond that, when you sweat, you lose water and sodium, so replenishing with an electrolyte-packed drink (like coconut water) could be helpful.
GOOD: When you wake up.
Japanese tradition teaches that drinking water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning helps keep skin looking young and contributes to weight loss. The latter is because it speeds your metabolism. Some people like to add lemon, which has been suggested to aid digestion and prevent weight gain.
BAD: While you're standing.
This one's based on Ayurvedic teachings, and hasn't been proven by any Western medicine studies — so take from it what you will. Apparently, when people are standing, they tend to take in water quicker, meaning they'll also take in a lot of oxygen. This could lead to heart and lung issues.
GOOD: When your pee is dark.
Wherever you are, whatever you're doing — working out at the gym, eating dinner at your favorite restaurant — if your urine is a deep yellow color, you're likely dehydrated. Slowly increase your water intake.
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