The Water Thing

laurenward1990

Hey all! I'm new to myfitnesspal.

So, I find it SO hard to remember to drink a lot of water during the day.
Any tips?

sbwood888

It is not fun, taht is for sure. You just have to make yourself do it. If there is an easier answer, hopefully someone will share it. I HATE drinking water. I just have to make myself do it. Good luck.

laurenward1990

Thanks. Yeah, its remembering to do it most of the time.
Before I started dieting, i'd go for a day without a drink sometimes, I just don't seem to get thirsty much!

butlersoft

It's the side effect - constantly needing to go to the bathroom as a result of drinking so much water !!!

NightOwl1

I know it's a waste of money and not environmentally friendly, but bottled water is a big help for me and drinking enough water. I always make sure to keep a bottle on the table by the couch, and another one in my bed (sounds silly, but it works), so there's always one close by and I remember to take a drink.

wiggleroom

If it's about not liking water, you could try drinking tea. If it's just about forgetting, then trust me - you'll build up the habit! Just keep a glass or bottle near you at all times. It's just about taking the time and growing accustomed to the new habit. After awhile, you'll grow more attuned to your thirst and you'll find yourself wanting it instead of forgetting.

tinkerbell1964

I have a 500ml drinking bottle at hand with me and when i've filled it up 4 times i know i've had my 8 glasses a day, it works for me

christina_theresa

Before I started to watch what I ate I wasn't much of a water drinker. I mainly drank diet sodas and coffee, I could go for days before having an actually glass of water. Now I start my day with 2 glasses of water before I have coffee and breakfast so that way I have at least two glasses of water a day.

for_a_mittengrl

I used to hate it too, but it's getting easier for me. I think I've just accepted that it's something that I need to do. I find it easier to get a sport bottle rather than just pouring some into a glass. The larger bottle makes me drink more at a time, rather than just trying to opt for a small glass whenever I remember or 'force' myself. Then I have several bottles a day and have some during down times in my workout. The "more at once" idea seems to work for me. I hope maybe it'll help you, or you'll find another way
Maybe even Crystal Light or something similar, then you have flavor and very minimal calories.

jeorwa

I carry a camelbac water bottle with me at all times (even carry it in my purse since it doesn't leak) , and several more refillible containers. Since it's got a straw and doesn't leak it's easy and convienient. Since I always have it with me within reach and in sight, it's a LOT easier.

hs100

Hi, I didn't used to get thirsty much either, but now I drink so much water!

Firstly, take a litre bottle of water out with you to school/work, and just keep it with you. You'll drink it because its there half the time.
Also, whenever you get hungry, drink a glass of water. I know its not what you fancy when you are hungry, but actually the feeling of thirst is similar to hunger! So half the time when we feel hungry and eat, we're actually just thirsty. So drink a glass of water when you're hungry, wait half an hour and see if you still are, then have something to eat.

Just discipline yourself the first few days/week to drink more water, then you get thirsty more, so will want to drink more water anyway. It will come naturally sooner than you think x

tinkerbell1964

It's the side effect - constantly needing to go to the bathroom as a result of drinking so much water !!!

Yeah i agree , but just think of all the crap you're getting rid of ,

hs100

Caffeine is a diuretic, so you will be dehydrated if you drink that instead of water, which is bad! unless you mean green tea, or decaffeinated. Although remember water is calorie free, whereas tea isn't!

christina_theresa

I use to use lots of waters myself but now I use water bobbles. They are more eco friendly, It is a BPA free water bottle with a purified water filter. You keep the water bobble but replace the filters every two months. I paid about $20 for two water bobbles and 2 filters. To replace 1 filter it cost about $6 so in the long run it's eco friendly and cheaper than water bottles

bluemagic33

I always use a straw, seems to help me be able to drink more. I have sensitive teeth so I don't care for the cold directly againt them.. But when I use a straw and I use the sf flavored drink mixes add 40calories a day but I manage to drink at a minimum of 136 oz a day not including coffee which is probally about 10 cups. The straw really helps I add one flavor pack to 34 oz cup .

mjd0109

I won't allow myself to sit down and eat unless I've had a glass of water or have one with me, that way I'm getting at least 3 glasses in a day. Plus I always make sure to have water with me when I exercise, if its there, you'll drink it!

aimibean

I always have a 2L bottle of water with me, unless I'm going out and then I carry 500ml bottles because obviously they're easier to carry! Buy a bottle and fill it up.

mycrazyturtles

Like others have said fill a glass up with ice and water and leave it out. If you want to drink all 8 cups have a goal where you have to drink 2 cups before your coffee. Then for lunch drink 2 and so forth. I have given up soda but I like a diet one now and then but if i don't have in 6 cups of water I don't let my self have the soda.

jrbanta

It is hard to drink enough and with the bathroom effect it can be annoying. But you will see results with how your skin looks and your weight loss! I drink a glass in the morning when I take my vitamins. I fill a 24 oz. water bottle that goes with me to work or in my car and sip on that. I also like the SoBe drinks that are mildly flavored and full of vitamins and antioxidants. Read the label and get the ones with no sugar and no calories. Not all of them are free of sugar and calories. It's like drinking flavored water, no carbonation. I drink one bottle of that a day if I have it on hand. About a dollar a bottle at the grocery. Decaffienated tea when you are relaxing also counts as water intake too. My goal is to have at least 5 eight ounce glasses in me before I get home from work, then I can sip on the other 3 glasses in the evening. Don't always meet my goal but what I do get is better than what I use to drink in a day.

laurenward1990

I always have a 2L bottle of water with me, unless I'm going out and then I carry 500ml bottles because obviously they're easier to carry! Buy a bottle and fill it up.

I think i'll start doing this! Especially when university starts again.
Thanks for the replies everyone! x

Hoosiermomma

A slice of lemon or lime in my water bottle makes works really well for me. I really like to stay away from any artificial sweeteners. You soon will be a water guzzler! I have to have it!

staciekins

Hello!
So if you can, go get a case of smart water...not only does it NOT have that strange mineral taste, but it also comes in 33 oz bottles. Drink one bottle of the smart water and then (assuming you work out) fill up the bottle with regular water and while you are working out you won't hardly recognize the taste. Two bottles of this is your daily intake. The less bottles you fill up the more you "trick" your mind into thinking it is less than 8 of those smaller bottles.

barberella

I absolutely hate water too. I can't stand it. I don't care if it's flavored or sparkling..just don't care for it. But now I practically force myself. My office got a water cooler, and I fill up the same 16oz bottle of water every day four times. So, I don't waste money on buying bottled water, and I get my recommended 64oz a day.

laurenward1990

Hello!
So if you can, go get a case of smart water...not only does it NOT have that strange mineral taste, but it also comes in 33 oz bottles. Drink one bottle of the smart water and then (assuming you work out) fill up the bottle with regular water and while you are working out you won't hardly recognize the taste. Two bottles of this is your daily intake. The less bottles you fill up the more you "trick" your mind into thinking it is less than 8 of those smaller bottles.

Seems we don't get smart water in the UK. We have a thing called skinny water, which is meant to aid weight loss! Might look into purchasing some! x

mommamo5

If you have a smart phone there are apps to remind you to drink your water....sounds silly but it really works for one of my friends.

MsFitnFabulous

I have a 32 oz mug that I carry to worrk. I try my best to drink at least one before lunch. You would be surprised how fast it goes by just sipping. Then I put ice in it after lunch and sip until bedtime usually. I too agree that going to the potty is annoying, but it's worth it to finally treat my body right! :drinker:

aschroyer

I have the same problem! I bought myself a container that I love. It helps to always have water with me so I can remind myself to drink it. Make sure its easy to wash cause thats one of my problems, I hate washing complicated dishes.

dwarfer22

Bottled water, decaf coffee, decaf tea, crystal light, all good. Maybe put some post-it notes around the house until you get into the habit of drinking. I had one on my bathroom mirror so I saw it first thing in the morning. Got Water?

WritingMyLife

It's hard for me to remember anymore too. I have a big travel mug that holds two cups so I do it on a schedule. Finish my coffee, fill with water. Finish that by lunch, add more water, finish that by 3, add more water, finish that by 6, add more water. I also have a cup of water first thing in the morning and a cup of orange juice after my shower.

kae1211

Hi Lauren, I am new to myfitnesspal as well and I have always struggled with my intake of water. I have found that putting sliced lemons in my water bottle has made all the difference. I now drink 1 1/2 litres without an issue but still struggle with the last half litre. Maybe give the lemons a try.