Down Mulberry Lane

Drinking your water???

I have known the health benefits of drinking water for a long time.  I know that a person will feel better.  Yet, I struggle with actually getting those 8 glasses of water down.  I've heard of several things to try and combat this.  And yet, I still struggled with choking those glasses of water down.  My last pregnancy was horrible as I counted the glasses of water each day.  And yes, I cheated... I counted liquid, not water! 

Why do I struggle with water?  I found I am not alone.  I lead a Healthy Living support group.  A place where we can support each other in our quest to live a healthy life.  When bringing up the water question... many had heard ideas, yet many struggled with getting those 64 ounces of water in as well. 

So, what can a person do?  I have friends that carry around large water bottles with them where-ever they go.  To me this is cumbersome and I just don't like dragging water around when I'm also carrying a 30 pound child, too.  My mil has a ribbon and bead counter hanging on her kitchen cupboard door.  It is neat.  When she takes a glass of water, she pulls a bead down... hoping that by the end of the day, all 8 beads are down.  I don't have one of these and while I could make one... I haven't.  I've heard of others drinking a glass every hour.  I'm sure this will get all the water in, but so many times I lose track of time... I just can't imagine staying on track.  And I've heard of filling a 2 quart container with water and finish the water by the end of the day. 

Dh and I were talking and I have come up against some health issues over the last two years that are driving me batty.  While I think they may be hormone related... I cannot be sure.  Dh went to a lecture at work on the benefits of water and the ER director started sharing all these benefits... which I knew... but I pushed them to the back of my brain... I have to admit that I hate drinking water, unless I am thirsty and hot from exercise or a hot summer day.  Well, Dh starts sharing with me all that he has learned and I'm wanting to shush him.  But I quietly listen asking God if I can shush him, but I instead feel encouragement to not only listen, but submit.  Dh challenges me to drink 6-8 glasses of water for a month.  My heart sinks.  I'm lucky to get 3-4 glasses in a day and now double this??? 

My kids have since heard of the challenge.  They saw my huge 2 quart container of water sitting on the counter and they have joined in with encouraging me to finish it each day.  I like room temperature water, and since that is best... room temperature is absorbed quicker and less stress on the digestive system... It is left on the counter all day.  It is a constant reminder as I look up from schooling or making a meal... it sits there and I am reminded to drink a little more. 

I am on day 5 of the water challenge.  It is going better than expected.  I drank 8 cups of water every day for 3 days.  7 cups on day 4.  And so far 8 cups today.  For my body size just 6 cups a day is recommended, but Dh and I both agree that between 6 and 8 is good.  A little more will help filter out some things that haven't been filtered in quite some time.  The most challenging part is the bathroom issue.  I always have to go, now.  The kids tease me that Mom is pregnant.  Oh how I would smile if it was true, but I realize that water has to go somewhere.   I will try hard to keep up with the water challenge.  I am hoping that by the time a month is over, that I will have developed some better water drinking habits and it will feel more natural to drink that much water each day. 

Anyone else needing to drink more water?

Warmly, ~Melissa

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8:30 AM, December 4, 2007 .. Posted by Sara

Oh, I am definately not a water drinker! I just can't bring myself to drink it all the time. I bought a 32 ounce water bottle, and I try to fill it up twice a day. I usually only manage to drink one bottle, but I know, that once I start drinking it, I start feeling so much better, and I actually begin to crave it. I am in on the water challenge. Not only for my health, but for my weight. Thanks for sharing this.

Blessings,
Sara

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9:14 AM, December 4, 2007 .. Posted by blessedmama

Me too! I know I'm not drinking enough. For 12 years now of being pregnant and nursing, I haven't drank enough in winter time. Summer time is easier when it's hot but in winter I just don't like cold water. Making light herbal teas is good but I don't always find the time. What helps is to keep a quart jar on my night table and drink a cup or two during the night.

I'll draw my two quarts of water when I log off and adopt your challenge.

Christina

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12:28 PM, December 4, 2007 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

melissa,
Water is so important -- I read a study last year that showed that a good portion of americans are dehydrated! It causes major health issues..... what about a sport cup? Fill it with cold ice and water...... or add some lemon slices...... learning to drink water is a habit one has to learn.
Good luck and drin lots of H2O!!!
Gloria