Water helps keep your muscles and skin toned, assists in weight loss, transports oxygen and nutrients to cells, eliminates toxins and wastes from the body, and regulates body temperature. Drinking refreshing, clean water plays a major role in reducing the risk of certain diseases. Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet, but one of the most vital.

Do we really need to drink eight cups of water everyday? The simple answer is yes. Most people need six to eight cups a day. You will know if you are drinking enough if your urine is transparent or almost clear.
Here are a few ways to help you increase your water consumption over the summer:

1. Start the day with a cup of hot water with a good squeeze of fresh lemon.

2. Instead of caffeine and alcohol, drink water. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and cause the body to lose water.

3. Throughout the day, have water constantly available; keep a water bottle on your desk so you can top-off your glass throughout the day; carry a bottle of water with you when you are on the go.

4. Create a daily schedule; drink a glass after breakfast, one before lunch, with each snack, etc. You may want to track your water intake to ensure that you drink enough.

5. If you are cold, drink warm water instead of coffee, which can dehydrate you.
6. Ask for a glass of water to go with your coffee or tea in Cafes.

7. Drink a glass of water before and during each meal.

8. Don't forget to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables as these have high water content and will contribute to your daily water intake.

9. Flavoring your water with a squeeze of orange can make it more enticing.

10. If you do not like water drink seltzer. Just make sure it is sodium free.
Keep hydrated, and remember 2/3 of your body weight is water.

Written by: Laura Shammah