I need some drinking water tips.

[cindilou]

I know I need to drink lots of water on this WOL. I need some tips that you guys have to drink more. I want to start drinking 120oz a day is that a good number. From what I have heard it helps a whole lot. I just need to get it in there. Well any suggestions would be very helpful thanx all.

[kkat55]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

Good morning!

Each day a water challenge is posted and you could use that to encourage you to drink more. You can find it here for today: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32508

I also bought a cute, clear pink jug from Walgreen's that holds exactly eight cups of water. I bring it to work with me and pour it in my glass thoughout the day and it has helped me tremendously. I can't wait to see it empty!!

Best wishes on your journey to good health!!

[Roshen]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

I use a little bottle of 500 ml. In this way I know exactly how much I'm drinking.
I fill it up very often!

[not2late]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

The rules say to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. They use a rule of thumb around here---the 64 ounces plus 8 ounces for every 25 pounds you are overweight.

Anyhow, drinking water......

My municipal water system puts too much chlorine in the water, so it has a nasty taste and smell. Therefore, I use a Britta filter pitcher to filter away those excessive minerals and additives. Pur has a similar product. Anyhow, I find these filter pitchers to be very economical. The initial investment will be about $25.00 depending on the size of the pitcher. But it will save you from purchasing those bottled waters for $1.50 each.

I also like to drink cold water because I find it more refreshing. Other people find room temperature water to be more drinkable. The point is---try out different water temperatures yourself and see what is "better" tasting for you. Just a caution about ice.....when you freeze water for ice, it might look like you have more due to the space the ice takes up in your container. But, you really have less water in the ice. A typical ice cube from an ice cube tray is about 1 tablespoon of water. So, if you choose to "chew on ice" rather than drink the water. Put your ice in the container, melt it then measure the water. That way, you'll have an idea of how much liquid you are really consuming when you "eat" ice cubes.

Other people like to flavor their water by floating slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or fresh herbs, like mint, in it. Again, try it and see if you like it.

As for keeping track of your ounces...kkat gave you great advice. I have a 20 ounce mug. So I know if I drink 3 of those (plus a little bit more), I'll make the 64 ounces limit daily. So get a mug, glass, cup, etc. and use that as your guide.

[Ralynda]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

I think it's a great idea to have the jug that holds 64 oz of water. Then all you have to do is fill it up twice and you've surpassed your goal of 120 oz by 8 oz!

For me, I keep a big cup (app. 24 oz) on my desk and try to drink 4 to 6 of those a day when I'm at work. I have a Weight Watchers mug that actually has the measurements on the cup so you know right away how much you've drunk.

Good luck on increasing your water intake!

[cindilou]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

Thanks guys this is all really helpfull I think I will get the big mug that is already 64oz and drink 2 a day. I CAN DO IT

[Miss Phode]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

Make goals for yourself throughout the day. Drink 30 ounces before 10 am, another 30 ounces before lunch, another 30 before dinner, and 30 before bedtime.

Try drinking with a straw, might make it go down easier. Add a slice of lemon. I like just a thin slice of lemon in my water, not an entire wedge of lemon.

[Suzanne_H]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

Wow looka those three lil' angels! How adorable!!! Way to go, Mom!

As to the water, at Walmart I found one of those insulated cups with a lid and built-in straw... that holds a whopping 64 ounces! I like to joke around with it when my students ask, holding it up and announcing that I only have one glass a day. LOL Anyhow, I fill it up first thing in the morning and finish it before the day is out. I usually finish it before noon, though, and wind up drinking more. It's become a habit, which is a lot of what this WOL is all about, developing new and healthier habits for a new and healthier way of living.

[IrishIrish]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

I have a 32 ounce mug which I fill first thing in the morning. For me, it is my morning "coffee" since I quit coffee. I carry it with me like I used to carry my coffee cup as I get ready to start my day. Surprisingly, I finish a glass within the time I'm preparing for my day. I always have water with me and it gets easier as time goes on and your body gets used to it. After several years, I can't imagine not starting the day out with a glass of water.

[lisaj]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

I have several 32 oz jugs I bought from Walgreens, 2 for 3.00. My goal is 4 a day. I put them half full of water in the freezer because I prefer it ice cold most times( a full jug frozen will crack, learned the hard way). I rotate them so one is always "ready". I set my day up so that I drink one from the time I wake up to the time I get to work. One in the morning at work, before lunch. One in the afternoon, leaving me only one to drink the rest of the evening. If i find it going slow, yep, i chug. It just seems to work for me. HTH

[kendallina]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

I drink well over 100 fl. oz. of water daily. I'm naturally a thirsty person (hmmm, maybe being a water sign, Cancer, has to do with it?!), but what I finds that helps is to always have a bottle of water near me. Also, cutting out other beverages helps.

[boonie stomper]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

The first thing in the morning, unless I get on the scales first, is drink several dixie cups of water, to take my supplements and get my tongue unstuck. (I get dry mouth while sleeping). I keep bottled water in the car at all times, for drinking and radiator emergencies. Whenever outside at a sporting event, or anyplace where fresh water is unavailable (like the boonies!) I carry some with me. I can easily put away 64 oz during a 30 minute walk. At the office, you guessed it - a refillable supply is beside my computer. At home, you might catch me drinking from the garden hose, but I like to keep different kinds of mineral water there, including tonic & seltzer so I get fewer leg cramps at night. (I even keep some beside the bed).

[branemi]

Re: I need some drinking water tips.

Thanks everyone for the great tips. I was having the same troubles. Will try room temp tomorrow.