Hydration and Intermittent Fasting
When it comes to Intermittent Fasting, hydration is key.
If this is not your first visit to the Bodē Pro blog, you already know how much we like to stress the importance of proper hydration. However, ensuring you get enough water is especially important if you are practicing intermittent fasting. Many of us get a lot of our water intake from food, so if you are changing your pattern of eating and fasting during certain hours, you might be getting even less water than you think. “Dehydration during intermittent fasting is definitely a risk, given that you have fewer meal occasions and potentially day-long stretches between these occasions…Water needs vary depending on the individual, but a good rule of thumb is 2.2 liters for women and 3 liters for men. Our actual hydration need is higher, but about 20 percent of it is met through food, assuming that we're eating adequate fruits and vegetables.”[1]
So how do you ensure you are properly hydrated while intermittent fasting?
• Keep a water bottle on hand throughout the day. Many times, we mistake hunger for dehydration, so keeping up with your water intake could help you stick to your fasting period.
• Consider drinking flavored, carbonated waters throughout the day in addition to your regular water. These could help satisfy the desire for drinks like soda or beer during a fasting period while adding to your hydration.
• Set alarms on your phone to help get you into the habit. If you’re really high tech, there are some fancy water bottles that come with bluetooth and apps for your phone that send reminders to you throughout the day if you fall behind in your hydration goals.
Of course, talk to your physician about your individual hydration needs as well as before embarking on any dietary or fitness changes. What are your favorite ways to stay hydrated while fasting? Tag us on social media and let us know!
[1] Benton, Emilia. “You're Probably Not Drinking Enough Water While Intermittent Fasting — Here's Why.” PopSugar, 16 Aug. 2019, www.popsugar.com/fitness/How-Much-Water-Should-You-Drink-While-Intermittent-Fasting-46364509.