I’m sure we’ve all heard that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day. Many celebrities boast that their camel like habits gives them great skin and trim waistlines. And doctors say that drinking water can reduce hunger, help us be more productive, and helps with digestion. All great reasons to drink eight glasses of water a day right?
So last week, I decided to keep count of how much water I consume each day. I usually drink only water at work, I rarely buy juice or soda, and have more water again in the evenings with my workouts. I was sure I drank at least eight glasses, if not more. I placed a check mark on my post-it each time another glass was consumed. On my first day of recording, I had only drunk three glasses! I had a glass in the morning with breakfast, another with lunch, and another during my afternoon break. I didn’t have any at home. So the next day, I tried to pay attention, and keep my water bottle filled at all times. I still only drank five glasses that day. I was shocked- I thought my water consumption was much higher. In order to start reaching eight glasses a day, I filled my water bottle right when I came to work, before I even started my computer. Each time my glass became empty, I would fill it again. I also started cutting back on my soda consumption, because I would substitute them with water. It became a game to me, making sure I could check off each glass each day. Now, I am much more aware of much water I drink. I challenge you to try to get to eight glasses a day as well. Start by seeing what you consume in an average day, and find ways to add in more. That may mean cutting back on your coffee drinks or sugary juices, but will only benefit you in other places. Good luck!
I did the Game on Diet a few months ago, and as part of that, you have to drink 3 Liters of water a day. So it made me get off of soda and other stuff very quickly. It is hard to get enough water, but it is largely all I drink now. Have you tried sparkling water instead of soda? It’s an acquired taste, even flavored, for a lot of people, but once you get it, you tend to really like it.
I went through this a few years back, mostly because I was experiencing headaches and other crummy health issues. I have cut out soda and juice all together and since completing my academic lifestyle I have replaced coffee with tea (which counts as your water intake).
I have found that drinking a pint of water right when I get up in the morning helps jump start my body pretty well. I then am always boiling water and making tea throughout the day as well as carry a water bottle at all times. It takes some getting used to and you will pee every 30 mins but the body adjusts pretty well.
I hope more people start considering their water intake every day, too!
Wait a minute…does coffee count as water intake?? I need to know! (If it does, I’m good!)
Author
Wow Ashley, I’ve never heard of that diet but 3 liters of water! Whew! I have never tried sparkling water, I’ll have to check it out!
Dee- Coffee can contribute to your water intake, but it shouldn’t be the only source you are getting. 🙂 Hope that helps!
I really struggle with drinking water. I am a serious soda addict, I know that it is packing on the pounds, but I am really having trouble giving it up! I will try to add in more water! Thanks for talking about this.
Author
Good luck Shannon! It was so hard for me to cut back on soda too, I used to drink 3 + a day! Glad to report I’m doing much better 🙂
I have added water, got rid of soda except for special occassions and mde the effort to exercise regularly. The end result has been the loss of my muffin top and being 10 pounds away from my goal wait. Totally worth the effort.