Well, go on. Do it right now before you forget or can make an excuse. Walk away from the computer, grab a glass (a big one, not your child’s sippy cup), fill it up, and chug it down!
Some people like water, some don’t.
I happen to be a water drinker; I’m not very fond of sodas and I can’t afford juices all the time. Besides, when I really think about it I’m drinking because I’m thirsty or because I want a specific taste of something. If I’m drinking something for the flavor that’s fine. If I’m drinking because I’m thirsty, I’m already dehydrated and what I need is water. Nothing else will satiate that thirst except water. If I go for something else first I always end up making myself feel full and bloated later. My body continues to send out thirst signals until I give in and drink the water my body asked for to begin with.
Yes, the daily requirement for water really is 64 oz (or 8- 8oz glasses).
At home you can fill a 64oz drinking container and keep it by your side till it’s gone. When I need to be less obvious, I use an 8oz plastic disposable cup and a marker. Each time I fill it up I give myself a tally mark on the side. Either way at the end of the day you can say, “Yea me!” instead of “Hmm, did I drink any water today?”.
Not getting enough water, called dehydration, makes us tired, unmotivated and can trigger headaches. On the other hand, making sure we stay hydrated by drinking enough water has a ton of benefits.
Including:
Healthier skin and wrinkle prevention
Reduced fluid retention
Relieving constipation and keeping us regular
Strengthening the immune system, and
Preventing kidney stones
Don’t like the taste? If you can stand it, cold usually has less “taste” than warm. There are also a ton of filters and bottled waters you can try. Try flavored and vitamin waters but be wary- these contain sugar substitutes and other things you may not want.
Here’s another solution- find a fruit flavor you enjoy and add just a touch to your water yourself. Keep lemon juice in your fridge or sealed containers of concentrated lemon aid, orange juice, lime aid, etc. in your freezer. Use a spoon to scoop a small amount and stir it into your glass.
Ok, what if you really, really, really, don’t like water? You can console yourself by rationalizing that other things that you drink and eat throughout the day will have water in them… Well, sort of.
Alcohol, coffee and colas don’t count- these make you urinate more and loose water faster. Broth based soups, fruit (but the calories really add up) and veggie drinks, and natural teas do count. All in all however water is still best.
Finished with your glass of water yet?
Good, you’re dismissed to the bathroom!
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