Everyone’s heard it: "Drink more water!" And sure, hydration is non-negotiable. But if you think plain water is the only or even the best way to hydrate, we need to have a chat. What Most People Get Wrong The myth that caffeine dehydrates you is one of the most repeated and least accurate claims out there. Yes, caffeine is a mild diuretic, but when it’s part of a drink like coffee or tea, the fluid more than offsets any minor increase in urine output. Translation? Your morning brew still counts toward your hydration. So What’s Actually the Most Hydrating? Believe it or not, water isn’t the top dog. Drinks that contain a bit of sugar or electrolytes (think sodium, potassium, magnesium) tend to hydrate better than plain water. That’s because they help your body absorb and retain fluids more effectively. Examples? - Milk (yep, really) - Fruit juices (in moderation) - Electrolyte drinks or tablets But Don’t Ditch Water Altogether It’s still a solid base. Just don’t expect it to do all the heavy lifting alone — especially if you’re training hard, sweating buckets, or under-eating carbs (which hold water in the muscles). Practical Takeaway Start your day with a glass of water, sure. But don’t fear coffee. And if you’re serious about performance, recovery, or just not feeling like a dried-out sponge all the time, consider adding some electrolytes into your routine.

Do I add the exercise calories to my main calories to make tonight’s dinner?