When we talk about making healthier choices, so much attention is placed on what we eat. We count protein, look for fiber, add fruits and vegetables, and find better versions of our favorite foods—but what we drink matters, too.
This is especially important when you’re intentionally increasing your protein intake. Staying properly hydrated supports digestion, helps transport nutrients throughout the body, and helps the kidneys remove the normal waste produced as protein is broken down. That doesn’t mean you need to force yourself to drink an excessive amount of water. It simply means hydration deserves a place alongside your nutrition goals.
One habit that has made a noticeable difference for me is drinking a bottle of water in the evening before bed. When I do, I feel better in the morning, and it seems easier to get out of bed and begin my day.
Our bodies naturally lose some water overnight through breathing and sweating. While we sleep, our bodies are also busy carrying out their normal maintenance and recovery processes. I like going to sleep knowing I’m hydrated and giving my body what it needs to function well throughout the night.
Of course, everyone is different. If drinking an entire bottle immediately before bed has you waking up during the night, try drinking it a little earlier in the evening instead. The goal isn’t to interrupt your sleep—it’s to consistently give your body the hydration it needs.
Healthy living isn’t always about making enormous changes. Sometimes it’s pairing an oatmeal chocolate chip Kize Bar with a glass of 2% milk when I need a satisfying snack, followed by a bottle of water before bed.
It’s simple, realistic, and something I can continue doing—and those are the habits that tend to stick.