Here’s the part the wellness gurus hate to admit: food counts. That juicy watermelon you had for a snack? That’s basically flavored water with a crunchy texture. Coffee? Tea? Soup? Yes, yes, and yes. They all contribute.
People worry that coffee “dehydrates” you. That’s a myth from the 1980s, like the idea that cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis. Sure, if you drink a pot of black espresso on an empty stomach, you might get a little jittery, but a regular cup of joe is mostly water. Your body isn’t dumb—it absorbs that H2O.
How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
The “Sweat Tax” Rule
If you’re sitting in an air-conditioned office all day, you’re not losing much water. Drink when you’re thirsty. But if you just did hot yoga in a room that feels like Satan’s sauna, or you spent the afternoon gardening in July, you need to pay the sweat tax. Drink an extra glass or two.
Same goes for spicy food. Ever eaten a ghost pepper nacho and felt your soul leave your body? That’s your body screaming for water. Don’t ignore it. Milk helps, but water is your true friend in that moment of fiery regret.
