Tips for Staying Fit & Hydrated This Fall & a FREE Event!
Eight cups of water per day? 12 glasses of fluid per day? 24 oz of H2O pre and post exercise — which is it?
We’ve all heard different recommendations for the amount of water we should drink daily, so it can be a bit confusing trying to determine how to hydrate properly.
Once you do manage to calculate your optimum intake, the next obstacle is figuring out how you’re going to get in all that H2O. For many, a glass of water doesn’t exactly provoke a mouth-watering response. Does it all have to be actual water, or do all fluids count?
And finally, how does hydration impact your fitness performance? Can it help with weight loss?
Today we’re diving into all of these H2O inquires and ending the fluid confusion with the help of best-selling author and health expert, Frances Largeman-Roth, RD.
Frances has teamed up with Ocean Spray to present their new cranberry extract-infused water PACt™ to the public with an awesome free kickoff event this Thursday in Hermosa Beach.
I’ll have all the details about this super-cool event — which will be hosted by Maria Menounous — at the end of the post.
First though, let’s chat with Frances about healthy hydration!
Q: Why is hydration so important pre & post exercise?
“All of the body’s functions rely on water and the metabolism of water. Hydration is important for everyone, but especially when you’re working out.
You’re not going to be able to have a really effective workout if you go into it dehydrated. The muscles need water to function. At some point during your workout – it may not be 20 minutes in, but it may be at the end when you’re trying to get that last set in – you’re going to have muscle fatigue.
It’s very important to go into the workout hydrated and then continue to hydrate throughout the workout, as well as after, depending on how much you sweat during the workout.”
Q: So we’ve all heard different numbers – just how much water should you consume a day?
“I would say anywhere from 8-12 cups depending on your activity level. Your baseline should be eight, 8 oz glasses of water a day.
For me, I am a nursing mom and I’m exercising, so I need at least 15 cups. It’s really about putting back what you’re losing.”
Q: Ok, so what counts toward your daily 8? Fruit, veggies, coffee, tea, etc.?
“Anything with water in it does contribute to your 8 recommended glasses of water a day.
There are a lot of things we eat during the summer, like cucumber and melons, that have a lot of water. Certainly, fall fruits and vegetables have it too, but not as much.”
Q: Some people say drinking a lot of water can help with weight loss, is there any truth to that?
“Yes and no.
The reason why it does have an effect is because it can help you feel full. Water does not magically strip away the pounds, but if you’re feeling full, then you’re not going to be reaching for snacks as much.”
Q: What are your favorite ways to hydrate, besides basic water?
“I’ve always loved to take cranberry juice cocktail and mix it with sparkling water to make a little spritzer.
I’ll also take a big pitcher of water and fill it with sliced cucumber, fresh rosemary sprigs, and slices of lemon. That way I’m more likely to go back to the refrigerator and keep refilling my glass. It’s like spa water so I can pretend I’m at the spa.
I’m also obviously a big fan of Ocean Spray’s new cranberry extract water PACt™.
You are getting all the benefits of water – hydration and glowing skin – plus more. You’re getting the benefits of the proanthocyanidins, which help to cleanse and purify the body.”
Q: Proanthocyanidins? Sounds technical. What exactly are they – in laymen terms, please!
“Proanthocyanidins are found in the cranberry and they actually help to remove bad bacteria from the body.
They work in different areas – the gut, the urinary tract, your mouth. The PAC’s do not kill probiotics. They leave the beneficial bacteria intact and remove the bad stuff – the stuff that causes infection.
The cranberry has always had the power of these proanthocyanidins, but PACt™ is the first beverage that’s harnessing this power not in a juice but in an extract – hence all the benefits, without a lot of sugar. It’s backed by about 50 years of research.”
Q: Is this especially important in the fall, with cold and flu season in full swing?
“Well, hydration in general is important during the cold and flu season. That’s why people always talk about having more soup, because that’s one way to hydrate.
When your nasal membranes are dehydrated, you actually feel those symptoms more. That’s why your doctor will push the fluids. PACt™ is one way to get those fluids in, in a very huge way, with very few calories.”
I think the best thing about PACt™ though is the taste. I got the chance to try it recently and it’s absolutely delicious.
The extract provides as much flavor as a full glass of cranberry juice — but because it’s sweetened with stevia and monk fruit, it only has 10 calories and 2 grams of sugar. Seriously impressive stats.
PACt™ will be available in stores soon, but you can try it this week at their free event on Thursday in Hermosa Beach.
The #EvenBetterBeachBash will feature six 45-minute workout classes from local fitness celebrities Cassey Ho of Blogilates, Gina Harney of Fitnessista and Ashley Turner.
The classes will consist of yoga, pilates, barre and zumba and you’ll have the chance to sweat side-by-side with the event’s host (and one of my personal fitspos), Maria Menounos.
Register for the beach bash here and be sure to check out the PACt™ website to learn more about this fab new beverage and to find info on where to purchase it.
*This post is sponsored by Ocean Spray but all opinions are my own.
Dale Janee says:
Love this post Whitney and I’m SO bad about drinking enough water every day and it’s so important because I really do notice a difference in my skin and how I feel when I get at least 8 glasses. I’ve always loved the idea of cranberry mixed into my sparkling water too. Great post! Just shared it on Savvy Sleepers FB!
Wish I could go to the event, I love Maria!! :)
xoDale
Emma @ Life's A Runner says:
When I don’t drink enough water, I never fail to find myself wanting ALL the snacks late at night. It’s tough at that point too, because I don’t want to go chug a litre of water right before bed! I really need to get on drinking more water during the day.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
I believe that being hydrated even helps in your flexibility. It’s so incredibly important. I definitely drink water faster when it has a little flavor and will always reach for coconut water when I’m teaching a super intense cardio workout for the extra electrolytes. I’d love to take all the classes at that event and wish it was taking place in San Francisco! Have a great Monday:)
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
I love Maria M! What a cool event. You California folks do have the best time. Jealous
Brittany says:
I feel very lucky to enjoy the “taste” of water. I live in an area that has naturally delicious water, but anytime I visit other states I can see why some people don’t like to drink it. I have to have at LEAST 90oz a day or I feel disgusting, 100oz is ideal. I’ve always gone with taking body weight and cutting it in half to find out how many oz for each person. Then I just shoot for more!! I LOVE WATER!
Leah says:
Great post, Whitney! I’m not sure which class to take! As far as hydration, I’m pretty boring! I usually “dress” up my water by adding fruit or veg (cucumber), or have sparkling with the same! :)
Julie says:
Ugh, totally wish I could go to the event!
I like sparkling water or I’ll just have it plain because honestly, it takes too much time to prep infused water. :/
Khushboo says:
Great reminder to drink more water, Whitney! I find that the more I drink, the thirstier I get….not a bad thing but I swear I spend half my day in the loo haha! Lately I’ve been drinking plenty of coconut water to help beat the crazy heat wave that Mumbai is currently facing!
Purelytwins says:
Water is so important. We do notice it is harder for us to drink water during the colder months, which are approaching us ;)
Bethann Wagner says:
Damn, could Maria be any prettier? Probably not. Off to drink more water now in an attempt to get her glowing skin and shiny hair #IRL. Best part of this article: “Anything with water in it does contribute to your 8 recommended glasses of water a day.” YES!