Hydration
I don’t know about you, but I have difficulty drinking the recommended amount of water I should every day. Every gym I attend or article I read about maintaining good health stresses the importance of drinking water…and lots of it. Weight Watchers (now WW) suggests 60 ounces a day. Have you any idea how much that is?
Well, it’s an enormous amount. I went out and bought a big plastic bottle to accommodate that much liquid and I faithfully carried it everywhere. I found the water to be tasteless and not at all appealing. I tried adding ice cubes, a slice of fresh lemons or cucumber, but it still tasted awful to me.
I started drinking iced tea, more cups of black coffee, and lots of glasses of unsweetened lemonade. I was thrilled that I finally managed to consume the 60 ounces of liquid a day that way and I was eagerly waiting to see the change in my skin and body that drinking all that water claimed would be so beneficial. At my next WW meeting, I proudly raised my hand and announced my success.
As it turned out, I was praised for my efforts, but I had not met the goal. In fact, I had done the wrong thing. I learned that when a nutritionist tells you to drink water, they mean just plain water. (You can put slices of fruit it, but no sweeteners) Water found in other drinks like iced teas, bourbon & water, or coffee, DOES NOT COUNT.
I was quite depressed after learning that however, I came up with a solution. I took the 60 ounces of water and divided it into several normal sized glasses. I then placed a glass everywhere that I expected to be that day in the house. I put one by my computer, one by the kitchen sink, one on my bedside table, one by the sofa, and another by the television. As I went through the normal activities of the day, I would see a glass and stop to take a few sips. Then I would move on. Over the course of the day, I discovered that I had finished practically all of the glasses of water and it had not been distasteful or an onerous chore. I have continued this practice, somedays with more success than others. But, always drinking much more water than I had before…I am definitely achieving my goal of better and consistent hydration and I sincerely think my skin looks better and is less dry. Other than more frequent trip to the ladies room, I can find no fault with this routine, and if it helps keep me healthier, why not continue.
Take the water challenge with me and let me know how it goes and if you feel and look any better. I’ll probably run into you in a rest room somewhere.
Until my next inspiration…ciao.
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