💧 Week 2, Day 16: Hydrate With Every Meal

Welcome to Day 16 of the Balanced Plate Challenge! You’ve been building colourful plates, experimenting with proteins, and even trying new grains. Today, we’re focusing on something simple but often overlooked: hydration.

 

🌱 Why Hydration Matters

  • Supports digestion: Water helps break down food and absorb nutrients.

  • Boosts energy: Dehydration can cause fatigue and sluggishness.

  • Controls appetite: Sometimes thirst disguises itself as hunger.

  • Evidence‑based: Studies show proper hydration improves focus, mood, and overall health.

 

🥗 Your Day 16 Task

With each meal today, drink a glass of water.

  • Breakfast: Start your day with water before coffee ☕.

  • Lunch: Pair your balanced plate with a refreshing glass of water.

  • Dinner: Hydrate to aid digestion and avoid late‑night cravings.

If plain water feels boring, try:

  • Infusing with lemon, cucumber, or mint 🍋🥒🌿

  • Sparkling water for a fizzy twist

  • Herbal teas (unsweetened) for variety

 

😂 A Little Humour

If you’ve been treating coffee as your main hydration source, today’s challenge is your gentle reminder: coffee is great, but it’s not water’s twin.

 

✅ Reflection Prompt

At the end of the day, ask yourself:

  • Did I feel more energized after meals?

  • Was it easier to avoid snacking when hydrated?

  • Which hydration option did I enjoy most?