I don’t drink enough water.
There, I said it. I’m glad that’s out in the open. I feel better.
(…I’m thirsty…)
Many experts will tell you that water is one of the most essential components of health. In the book “Staying Healthy with Nutrition”, by Elson M. Haas, MD, ‘Water’ was deserving of a prime piece of book real estate: the first page of Chapter 1. I don’t think that was an accident.
Water is important.
According to Dr. Haas, clean water is one of the most important parts of living a healthy life. Our bodies need about 12 cups of water per day to stay hydrated, which can come from a combination of water in food sources, the water produced as a result of food digestion, and drinking water. Dr. Haas says that on average, Americans consume about 4 cups of water per day from food sources, one cup comes from food digestion, and we have to actually drink the remaining 7 cups.
Research performed by Wirthlin Worldwide (a market research firm) has shown that 20% of Americans drink no water at all, and 42% consume only 2 cups or less per day. Most of us also drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda, and these beverages actually dehydrate us further. Dr. Haas says that for every caffeinated and/or carbonated beverage we consume, we must consume at least that much water in order to counteract the effects.
We all know that we have to drink water, but how do we do it?
Even if we only need to consume an additional 7 cups per day in order to stay hydrated, that is still 56 OUNCES of water!
In the past, I have been in the habit of filling up one huge 64 ounce bottle full of water each day, and drinking it throughout the day. This plan works most of the time, but the first problem for me is always portability. I don’t like bulky water bottles. Not to mention, for me, a bottle of water that massive is akin to a marathon. The distance that I’ve traveled never seems like far enough in comparison to how far I still have left to go. I feel defeated by the mere sight of 64 ounces of water.
The next problem I always come across is that when the water is in a plastic container, the water tastes like plastic after a few hours. Call me crazy, but I just don’t like my water to taste like plastic. No matter what bottle I tried, I could always notice some type of plastic-y aftertaste.
That said, I bring you my latest solution. I just discovered it today, and I’ve drank more water than my bladder cares for me to mention.
I present you with: the little tiny water bottle. Eight ounces to be exact. It’s shorter than my iPhone.
I’ve worked out a bargain with myself. I can’t refill it and bring it back to my desk unless I first fill it up and chug all 8 ounces. I’ve actually turned it into my own private chug contest in the corporate kitchen. I time myself to see how fast I can get it down.
I’m easily entertained…but hydrated!
Since this plan seems to be working pretty well today, I might consider buying a small Sigg (maybe one for kids, since I’m incredibly juvenile anyway).
p.s…You think I can I chug with a Sigg?
How do you meet your daily recommendation for water?
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