I need to drink more water. I use to be a sponge! Then I starting drinking a lot of diet soda and it replaced my healthy habit. So I put out there a challenge. A challenge to drink a full 8 cups of water a day for the rest of January (I hope my boss doesn’t mind me living in the little girl’s room).

What are all of the benefits that come from water? I know healthier looking skin is one of them. I use to get complements about my clear skin all the time.

I googled it::

Health benefits of drinking water [64 oz. or 8 cups]:

regulate appetite

increase metabolism

boost energy levels

less water retention

alleviate some headaches

help reduce blood pressure

help reduce high cholesterol

ease joint pain

decrease in risk of some cancers

less chance developing kidney stones

release toxic waste products

improves skin



here are some ideas to spice up regular liquids to help keep hydrated:


*Add a splash of fruit juice for color or flavor

*Make juice cubes (fill an ice cube tray with juice)

*Freeze strawberries in water

*Add a slice of lemon or orange

*Wean off regular juice or punch by diluting the drinks till it’s half and half

*Fluid rich snacks such as gelatin or freezer pops

*Serve fruits and veggies that are full of water like lettuce, watermelon, broccoli, and grapefruit

*Smoothies using fresh fruit, milk and ice cubes

*Broth based soups are great to re-hydrate people when they are ill



I'm also trying to drink more water to help me lose weight..it's everything free, no carbs, calories, salts, etc. To think! An endless supply of a food that's 100% good for us!! LOL!

Wow who knew!?!? That is an amazing list. A lot of the benefits are things that I struggle with too like no energy and hurting joints. I am a salt-a-holic as well :o so water helps me even that out a bit. I’ve been trying to cut back on salt too. My taste buds are shot from the over kill of salt to it is tough because food doesn’t have much taste to me without it. Hopefully water will help flush all the salt out and mend my taste buds.

Thanks for the post!

Hi!

Like you I thought I'd start January by actually getting round to drinking water. For the past 8 days I have been drinking 2 litres a day, as well as 5 cups of green tea to boost my metabolic rate. Before I started my hair was really dry and I had several horrible spots on my face. Pleased to report the spots have gone and my hair is very shiny and my nails seem harder too!

Now I just gotta keep it up! Good luck with your diet. xxxxx

I drank 8 plus cups of water yesterday and it is a lot harder than I thought it would be. My bladder has a hard time handling that much water intake! It kind of made me feel like I was going to brew over too, if that makes sense. Hopefully it will get use to it and drinking that much will become easier.

It does get easier. Your body will get used to it after a few days and you won't feel the need to run to the bathroom as much :)

Here are some sites that tell you the benifits of water.

http://www.purwater.com/yourwater/essential.shtml

http://www.allaboutwater.org/drink-water.html

http://www.mybindi.com/lifestyle/nutrition/nutrition9.cfm

http://members.aol.com/SaveMoDoe2/importance.htm

Good info Wendy. Thanks for posting :)

Having to go to the bathroom so much is what keeps me from drinking enough water, too.

Yesterday I started drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water. I can tell I really needed it because I am so thirsty!

It is strange feeling thirsty and having to go to the bathroom at the same time.

However, I always get so tired of running to the potty that I stop drinking water.

Any ideas how long is takes to get used to it?

That is good info. It was very interesting and informative. Thanks!!

One more successful water day down!:D

wow,I need this challange ,thank you bride2be :) I already drank1 today so I'm left with 7 cups to go ,,,

good luck everyone ,seems like the bathroom will be busy today LOL*

a great challenge idea :D

Great idea! I am going to take the challenge as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 8 cups has become easier. I spend less time in the bathroom although I have kept it up. It does seem to be making a difference with cravings as well as healthy looking hair and skin. Hurray!!

Weight watchers is now suggesting 6 glasses a day instead of 8 - not exactly positive why that is - have heard it has something to do with the fact that doctors are now saying that we are drinking too much water.

Yesterday was a struggle getting all my water in. I drank soda. :( I love Diet Dr. Pepper!! I try not to drink soda but with the crappy week I’ve been having I though a diet drink would be better than splurging all together.

How’s everyone else doing??? Any noticeable changes?