There might be snow on the ground, but Summer is right around the corner (especially if you live in the South). When the temperature rises, so does the need to drink more water. Besides the fact that water is necessary to keep you from dying from dehydration, water also does so many amazingly good things for your body.

Five reasons why more H2O is the way to go!

1. Water curbs the munchies.
The brain is a fascinating thing. Many times when you think you’re hungry, you’re really just thirsty. So the next time you feel the munchies coming on, grab a glass of the clear stuff and see if that doesn’t derail your desire to dig in.

2. Water fuels your muscles.
If your body is dehydrated, you’ll experience muscle fatigue and cramps and won’t be able to get in a good workout, which makes it extra hard for your body to get defined. So if your goal is to get ripped and stay that way, pump up your water intake.

3. Water lubricates your joints.
Does your body snap, crackle, and pop a lot these days? Perhaps you need more water. Research shows that water is key to keeping your joints lubricated properly.

4. Water wakes you up.
The next time you’re jonesing for some shut-eye in the middle of the day (or when you’ve just woken up and should be full of energy), don’t reach for a caffeinated beverage. Instead, hydrate yourself with a few swigs of refreshing water. Since our bodies are comprised of approximately 75% water, when we’re dehydrated, our bodies go into conservation mode—and that’s why we feel tired. Think of how droopy a plant gets when it’s parched, and how quickly it perks up once it gets a splash of the good stuff.

5. Water flushes toxins out of your body.
We live in a toxic world and these toxins can easily build up in the body, hindering the function of your kidneys, liver, and bowels. But when you’re properly hydrated, it’s much easier for your kidneys to filter your blood, for your liver to metabolize fat, and for your intestines to move nutrients and waste through your intestinal tract.

So if you’re trying to get in shape, and stay in shape, drink more water.

How much water do you need to drink daily?

Depending on your level of physical activity and the temperature outside, the amount of water you need to consume daily may vary, but here’s an easy way to guesstimate how much of the clear stuff you may need.

Take your weight, and divide it by 2—and that’s around how many ounces your body needs daily.

But drinking water isn’t the only way to hydrate yourself. Eating water-rich foods gets it into your system as well.

Fruits and veggies with high water content:

• Watermelon • Grapefruit • Cantaloupe • Strawberries • Peaches • Oranges • Pineapple • Raspberries • Blueberries • Celery • Cucumbers • Broccoli • Zucchini • Tomatoes