Drinking Enough Water

Do you get enough water each day?  
Probably most of us would like to think that we drink "enough" or that we drink "a lot".  But, eight 8 ounce glasses is considered the minimum and most of us don't reach that because of all the other flavored drinks that get in the way.  Most flavored drinks also contain horrid things that we don't need in our bodies (sugar, caffeine, chemicals, etc...)  A few claim to be free of most of those.  BUT, they are still not WATER.  Life giving, energy giving W.A.T.E.R.

When I am on a weight loss effort, I definitely have to increase my water intake each day!  By doing this, I offer myself several benefits:  decreased appetite, clearer skin, weight loss, (among others like reduce headaches, improve your overall mood & more).

• Decreased Appetite:  Just by drinking truly ENOUGH water each day, I notice that I am not constantly in the kitchen hunting for something to stuff in my mouth.  It keeps your tummy feeling full.  This is a good thing if you are used to snacking the day away.  This is also a good thing if you have a large amount of weight to lose!
• Weight Loss: If drinking plenty of water each day causes decreased appetite, then this can only lead to some weight loss- over time.  This is a good thing.  Often when you THINK you are HUNGRY, you are actually just thirsty and don't realize it.
  Now, we are not talking about flooding our body, but a definite increase in water intake.  (How much you should drink is between you and your health care provider.)
•  Clearer Skin:  Drinking plenty of water, doesn't allow us much time or room to drink much else, thus allowing our body to naturally flush away horrid things.  Toxins that are bad for our body are also bad for our skin.  Getting rid of them can only be a win-win! Do  you have skin issues?  Proper skin care is a must, but drinking plenty of water is also going to greatly help!  Who doesn't want fresh, glowing skin?

Now, how do I go about getting all of that water in each day? 
Well, I have a Tervis cup that I adore.  So, find a large cup that makes you happy.  Either because of the picture or the saying or just because it keeps your water colder longer.  Then, ALWAYS have it with you!  I never, ever leave home without my water!  I take it to church, to the grocery store, to the park, to the mall, to run errands...  AND if I drink it all while I am away...  I do not buy water!  I run into a fast food place and fill it with their free ice and water! :-)  If you work, always have a water bottle/cup on your desk!  Begin building the habit of taking it everywhere with you, too.

Now, after all of that, the Support Group that I admin is doing a Water Challenge this week.  We are taking our weight # and dividing it in half. (If you weigh 200 lbs= 100, 250 lbs= 125, etc)  Then, we are aiming to drink that many ounces each day.  For the above reasons!  Yes, it may seem like a LOT of water...  BUT, this is a journey to weight loss!  It is another way to make our bodies healthier and stronger and closer to the goal that we have set!  Try it!

If you'd like to participate in our challenge, go ahead!  Leave a comment, so we can support you!