Post #6: Water is Boring

I'm sure you've all heard that whole "Eight glasses of water a day!" bit, but who really wants to chug all that boring, flavorless liquid?

Well, my best friend loves water, but she's just plain weird. So if you're like her, then just shut up and let the rest of us discover ways around drinking water.

Check it:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/02/eveningnews/main3991145.shtml

and

http://www.npr.org/2008/04/03/89323934/five-myths-about-drinking-water

and

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=eight-glasses-water-per-day

Apparently, the whole eight glasses of water a day thing is a myth. I've been hearing about that a lot the last few years, especially in the medical community. The actual recommendation is to "have a beverage with meals and drink when you are thirsty." Usually, this is about 4-6 glasses per day, instead of the 8 you hear about everywhere.

So, yeah! We at least cut down on the amount we have to drink in order to maintain our wellness (without wandering into crazy water land). You know, I've actually seen patients overdose on water. Not pretty.

Now, let's discuss water sources. Did you know that you actually get water through your food? Or other sources like coffee, tea, milk, juice, soda, fruits, and vegetables? You don't have to drink a plain old cup of water in order to get those fluids down. Just being sensible about your diet in the first place can help keep you adequately hydrated.

But the point is this: have a BEVERAGE. Doesn't have to be a glass of water - a cup of tea or a low-calorie juice will do the trick too. We can all stop feeling guilty about not carrying those stupid gallon jugs of water around all day.

If you exercise, be smart. Drink some fluids. But unless you're a marathon runner or frequently engaging in sports, you probably don't have to go crazy with the water. Listen to what your body is telling you.

Let me share a product that I LOVE before you go:

Yeah, that's right. Crystal Light. But especially this "Antioxidant: Natural Cherry Pomegranate" stuff. It's full of flavor, has only 5 calories per packet, and also includes such delights as vitamins A, C, and E. The packets are so easy to throw in your purse and take anywhere you go. Out with friends and don't feel like drinking boring water, but don't want to order Diet Coke? Voile! Presto! Insert other such comments here! You have flavored water in an instant.

Also, did you know that there is no scientific evidence that water helps your skin? We are already all water; what else can another cup of water do? But vitamins A, B, C, E, and K have all been shown to help your skin.

Now, I'm not advocating not drinking water. But if you're like me and find it difficult to choke down those 8 glasses of water a day, then you can start reframing how you approach your hydration.

Think about it. Write down what you drink in day. See what you can change or improve. That's what I'll be doing over the next week or two.