Sometimes I find it so difficult to drink just plain water. I was never a coffee or hot tea drinker (I am actually a recovering diet iced tea addict!). But I know that drinking water is a very big part of my overall health, so it became very important to me to put down the iced tea and pick up the glass of water. A number of studies have shown that drinking water raises metabolic rate and therefore helps with weight control. Water is a great thirst quencher which will keep you well hydrated. After all, our bodies are made up primarily of water.
Have you ever confused being thirsty with being hungry? Imagine how many EXTRA calories you eat when in reality, all it would have taken was a delicious icy glass of water to satisfy that thirst craving. (Sounds simple… but very true). Water can also replace high calorie drinks such as soda, sugary juices and alcohol. I usually recommend about forty eight ounces of water a day. That will vary if you exercise a lot especially in the warmer weather. By the way, even though I prefer my water cold, consider giving hot water with lemon or lime a try. Some people prefer water at room temperature. If you have kidney disease or another medical problem which requires restricting your fluid intake, please make sure to discuss your water consumption with your doctor.
Over the years, my clients and I have discovered a number of ways to increase the amount of water we drink each and every day.
- Try always to carry water around with you. Sip a little water wherever you go!
- Set yourself up on a water schedule. For example, drink a glass of water at 7 AM (before work or when you first get up), another at 9 AM and another at 12 PM and so on and so on. Wouldn’t it be great to finish drinking your water well in advance of bedtime? (I for one don’t enjoy getting up every night to go to the bathroom).
- Always keep water with you when you are sitting down. If you are at a desk working, or watching TV, keep water at your side and sip away!
- Add lemons, lime or cucumber to your water. Yummy!
- Definitely invest in a water filter at home. Water should be tasty.
Drinking water doesn’t have to be a chore.
Make it part of your daily routine. I’m getting over my craving for diet iced tea and starting to appreciate the taste of REAL water.