When Your Body Needs Water, Not Food

For most of my life, I didn’t realize my body was asking for water—not food. Some days, I’d go an entire day without drinking water and wouldn’t feel thirsty at all. Instead, I’d crave something salty, like chips or snacks, not realizing I was simply dehydrated.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that I discovered this surprising truth: we often mistake thirst for hunger.

The Problem with This Misunderstanding

When people like me feel dehydrated, we often snack on salty chips or nuts instead of simply drinking water. This not only worsens dehydration but can also lead to overeating and weight gain. If weight gain is something you’re struggling with, I encourage you to pause the next time you feel hungry and ask yourself: Am I really hungry, or could I be thirsty?

Dehydration itself comes with its own set of consequences:

• Headaches
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling tired and sluggish
• Dry skin, lips and eyes
• Constipation

I’ve suffered from many of these myself, and for the longest time, I didn’t realise that dehydration was the culprit.

Signs You Might Be Dehydrated

The next time you’re craving something salty, have a headache, or feel like you need to apply lip balm repeatedly, take a moment to check in with yourself:
Am I thirsty? Am I dehydrated?

If the answer is yes, the best thing you can do is drink some pure, filtered water.

Why Pure Water is Key

Skip the juices, flavoured waters, or soft drinks—they’re not what your body needs. These have huge amounts of sugar in them (which makes you even more dehydrated) and unnecessary chemicals, such as colourants and flavours.

For maximum hydration, try adding a pinch of Celtic salt or Himalayan pink salt to your water. These natural salts not only help rehydrate your body at a cellular level but also contain essential minerals:

• Himalayan Pink Salt: Contains 84 trace elements.
• Celtic Salt: Contains 34 trace elements.

Unlike processed table salt, these salts are in their pure, raw form—free of harmful chemicals or unnecessary additives. This is especially important if you’re using them daily.

My Morning Hydration Habit

About two or three years ago, I introduced a new habit that transformed my mornings: a glass of warm water with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon. I started doing this to replace my morning craving for coffee, but I soon noticed an unexpected benefit—it helped me stay regular.

When that warm water hits my stomach, it kickstarts my digestive system, and within minutes, I’m heading to the bathroom for a “number two.”

Later, I learned that this simple habit is one of the best ways to start the day. After a long night of fasting, that glass of water helps rehydrate my body with much-needed water and electrolytes.

My Daily Water Goals

These days, I keep a clear glass bottle next to me while I work. It holds about a liter of water with a pinch of Celtic salt, and my goal is to finish it during my workday.

I also carry an insulated water bottle with me everywhere I go—especially in the car. Not because I often feel thirsty, but as a reminder to drink anyway.

I’m far from perfect. On a good day, I might finish 1-1.5 bottle of water, and I feel proud when I do. I know I should aim for 2 to 2.5 litres a day, and I’m working on it.

If You Struggle with Water Intake, You’re Not Alone

If you find it hard to drink enough water, I hear you. You’re not alone in this.

But don’t give up. This seemingly small habit of drinking more water can have a huge impact on how you feel and your overall well-being.

Start small, keep going, and celebrate your progress. Your body will thank you.

Love,
Ginger x