Do I Really Need to Drink a Liter in the Morning, and Answers to Other Important Water Questions

Those who tend to overthink one thing tend to overthink others, so if we're already going in on our hair, our skin, and our food, how could we *not* be deeply concerned with our water? (The icecaps too, certainly, but we're talking personal consumption in this story.) Here, nutritionist Ilyse Schapiro, MS, RD, CDN, answers four more burning questions in I Thought Drinking Water Was Meant to Be Easy but Nooooo: Part II.

1. Do you really need to drink a liter in the morning like all those fitness experts do?

Sounds aggressive, honestly, even if you're someone who can't stomach the idea of anything more than a cup of coffee for breakfast. Schapiro agrees: "That can be too much and a little overwhelming." (Even though that high a volume of liquid does really get the ol' excretory system moving, shall we say.)

A more moderate approach takes into account factors such as weight, health, diet, exercise, and geography. For example, if you're a gym rat, you'll need more water than someone who sits at a desk all day writing about Rihanna nicking wine glasses. Just don't put it off: "Once you're thirsty, your body is telling you that you're a little late in the game," Schapiro says.

2. Is drinking lukewarm lemon water significantly better than drinking regular room-temp water?

Not like yugely hugely, because any and all water is 👍, but lemon water might reduce bloating and stimulate the metabolism, which makes it 👍👍. (Thanks, Miranda Kerr.)

3. Do fruits and vegetables really add anything to your water intake?

BECAUSE I HAVE HEARD OTHERWISE. But "fruits, vegetables, soups, teas, and even milk all count as sources of hydration," Schapiro says. "Granted, they don't have as much as water, but they can help add to your total intake for the day." On her list of approved fruits and vegetables, should you not enjoy drinking H20 (like a certain nasty woman): zucchini, radishes, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, spinach, strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe, pineapple, cranberries, oranges, and raspberries. Phew.

4. Still vs sparkling: Which is better?

Just do it—unless you're trying to do tonic water, which can have added sugar, or some club sodas, which may have added sodium. Pray for your teeth, though, if you've got a bottle of seltzer surgically attached to your hand.

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