How am I supposed to drink 8 cups of water!

galegetsthin

I drink water ALL day. I go through about 100 ozs each workday and a few more cups after that. It was hard at first and I had to pee every 20 minutes for the first 2 weeks, but I lost more weight that way. It helps curb my appetite and decide if I am hungry or just thirsty. just work your way up. If you drink one a day, shoot for two tomorrow, and a few days later, shoot for three, etc. It gets easier.

quigonnjae

I dont think of it as 8 cups of water ... Rather I think of it as 64 oz ( 8 - 8 oz glasses) ... With that being said .. I have a 20 water bottle..and make it my goal to empty it 4 times (4 X 20 = 80 0z) between the time I wake up and go to bed .

Crowhorse

I just drink when I'm thirsty.

quigonnjae

Another way to make it easier it go get some Mio ..gives the water some flavor

d2footballJRC

Also remember, if you take any supplements, you will most likely have to increase that water intake some. A lot of supplements will need an upped water intake.

Barelmy

I'd like to point out (if no one has yet!) that sipping water will be better for you than gulping it. It'll be more refreshing that way. Gulping water will just send it straight through you.

wildcata77

Actually, this thread is very helpful. I've already had 2 servings of water just reading 2 pages of responses. Must be the pics. Maybe you could post the pics of hot chicks drinking (or, um, pouring water down their chests) water and it will be a reminder.

soccer8s

I have gotten used to drinking water...I carry my 24oz water bottle around all the time with me and I go through at least 4 of them per day....and that doesn't count the 2 usually when I'm at the gym.

Get it ready first thing, before you do anything...I usually have 1 bottle about done before I even leave for work in the morning!!!

It's just a good habit to get into...I try to get at least 100 oz per day...hopefully less once I lose some of this weight!!!

sarahnicole218

I find that using a re-usable cup with a straw helps me get 8-10 cups of water per day:bigsmile: and the fact that water is mostly the only beverage of choice for me.

agree! i think the straw is key...goes down alot quicker!

bbygrl5

I did not read 6 pages of responses, so I'm sure this has already been said, but to add my two cents.... some people drink water naturally and like it, other people (like me) have to make it an active effort to do it.

I start the day off by drinking a bottle (4 glasses worth) of lemon water. (The lemon is not just for taste, it actually balances your pH levels in the body and can boost mood). I know that if I can manage that first bottle, then I'm more likely to have success the rest of the day. Your body will start to want the water and crave it. Again, my experience.

I unfortunately still drink diet soda. It's a vice of mine and I love the caffeine. The rule is as I'm drinking the soda, I have to consume on equal number of ounces of water right then.

So anyway, my experience is that I may not want to drink the water, but I make myself anyway, knowing that it affects my mood, affects my appearance, my overall health, keeps my immune system healthier, gives me energy, cleanses toxins from the body, aids in weight loss, etc, etc, etc. It's too important not to do!

JuliesJourney

I don't drink nearly enough water yet either, working on it though. I would caution women at least to be cautious about over drinking water. I had a friend who was never without her large water bottle. It went everywhere with her because she had heard drinking water was healthy for you. When she was 50 began having problems with leaking during the day if you know what I mean. She put up with it for many months then finally went to a urologist. He told her that every time he reads the recommendation to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day he cringes because in some people it can cause weakening in the bladder. She had to have a surgical procedure and no longer goes everywhere with a water bottle.

Along the same vein, my urologist said that every time he sees someone eating a huge spinach salad he thinks - kidney stones. So don't overdo the spinach either as in don't eat it every day. Kidney stones = no fun.

whtlatina1214

yes i drink way way more omfg .. lol i drink two bottled waters before and aftr each meal

whtlatina1214

I don't drink nearly enough water yet either, working on it though. I would caution women at least to be cautious about over drinking water. I had a friend who was never without her large water bottle. It went everywhere with her because she had heard drinking water was healthy for you. When she was 50 began having problems with leaking during the day if you know what I mean. She put up with it for many months then finally went to a urologist. He told her that every time he reads the recommendation to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day he cringes because in some people it can cause weakening in the bladder. She had to have a surgical procedure and no longer goes everywhere with a water bottle.

Along the same vein, my urologist said that every time he sees someone eating a huge spinach salad he thinks - kidney stones. So don't overdo the spinach either as in don't eat it every day. Kidney stones = no fun.

never heard such a thing i have hear to much water no fgood but really that is the biggest bs drinking water can not weaken your bladder sorry

wish21

Also Instead of soda or juice with meals reach for the water instead you'll b surprised how fast it goes

JamzPurse

Mfp recommends 8 CUPS of water per day not 8 glasses. Usually the glasses I drink out of would hold 2 cups. Keep that in mind. Use a measuring cup if you have to. Its really not so bad. Plus it will have great benefits to your body, your weight loss, and your skin. I love water! Drink up.

Justjoshin

If I only drank 8 glasses of water per day I would be one dehydrated mofo.

I drink 20+ and don't seem to find it difficult

nicolemariedwyer

I had problems getting my water in to, i drink it with a straw now and it goes down fast, crystal light is good too, but i try not to drink it and limit artificial sugars.

Tjkramer95

I've found the easiest way to drink water is in a cup. I'll then tip that cup so that the water pours into my mouth and then I swallow the water.

All kidding aside, definitely make it a habit. It really does become easy after a few weeks. Staying hydrated is essential for all your internal systems to function properly, for your metabolism to function properly and studies have actually shown that staying properly hydrated helps keep you more alert during the day than caffeine.

And caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, so be sure to drink water after drinking caffeine.

Loverj79

how i get it in is i have a bottle that i keep filled next to me all day. its in my face so i have to remember. and i have a five year old and if i want her drinking water i have to.

eeeekie

jsjaclark

Like others have said - carry around a water bottle and sip during the day.

I used to not drink as much water either, but i was in a class where we did a fitness/nutrition challenge. One of the challenges (for the week) was to just add one glass of water to what you were already drinking (so in your case try for three glasses a day). Once you get used to three (after about a week or so), go to four and do the same thing.

hpsnickers1

You don't have to. Get plenty of real foods and you can get about 40% through the foods you eat. That part always seems to get lost in translation.

Skinnystac12

I get in the 8 cups a day easily when I'm planning. I keep a cup at work and fill with ice/water all day long. I also enjoy hot tea and coffee. I struggle more on weekends when I'm out and about or busy at home and forget to drink the water. When I exercise I always drink at least a bottle of water too. If you have a long commute to work, consider a goal of drinking at least a bottle of water each way. I think if you make small changes in your normal routine you will accomplish the 8 cups, if that is what you desire to do.

ElizabethFrank

Yes, everyday. I never used to drink water either but I committed to it and now it is routine. I start the morning off with at least an 8 oz. glass of H2O. I have a 30 mile commute to I fill up my water bottle before I leave and drink another 8 oz. during my commute. At work, I have another 32 oz. bottle that I sip on and refill once through the day. I fill up my commuting bottle again for the drive home. Great appetite suppressant and really helps with the dry skin this time of year as well! Oh, and your body does get used to it after a short while to don't let the constant trips to the restroom detour you during the first few weeks.

afwg1979

APPLE JUICE: http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/apple-juice-can-pose-a-health-risk-from-calories-1.3360210

ORANGE JUICE: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/08/16/dirty-little-secret-orange-juice-is-artificially-flavored-to-taste-like-oranges.aspx?e_cid=20110816_DNL_art_1

WATER: http://www.watercure.com/index.html

Everyone should read: Your Body's Many Cries for Water by Dr. F. Batmaghelidj -- a real eye opener!
______________________________________________________________________________

I prefer EATING my calories thus limit liquid calories.

It's good that you don't drink soda - that stuff is plain poison. As far as the juice, you should give it up - it's a waste of calories; it's loaded with hidden chemicals. (See info links above.)

Drinking 64 ounces of water, daily, is a habit you must develop. It is a forced, concious act. Many years ago, to help remind me to drink my water, I used eight (8) paper clips (clipped to the top of a postcard). When I drank one cup of water*, I would move a paper clip to the bottom of the postcard. You really have to be mindful and not be bothered by the fact that you will be taking more trips to the rest room -- but your body will thank you!

I started out drinking ice cold water, but now I can easily drink room temperature water.

*At first, I forced myself to drink, not sip, each cup of water. Eight ounces (one cup) is really notthing. We're so used to drinking from 12oz or 16oz glasses that we forget what 8 ounces looks like.

Again, see if your local library carries Dr.Batmaghelidj's book: Your Body's Many Cries for Water.

hpsnickers1

I don't drink nearly enough water yet either, working on it though. I would caution women at least to be cautious about over drinking water. I had a friend who was never without her large water bottle. It went everywhere with her because she had heard drinking water was healthy for you. When she was 50 began having problems with leaking during the day if you know what I mean. She put up with it for many months then finally went to a urologist. He told her that every time he reads the recommendation to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day he cringes because in some people it can cause weakening in the bladder. She had to have a surgical procedure and no longer goes everywhere with a water bottle.

Along the same vein, my urologist said that every time he sees someone eating a huge spinach salad he thinks - kidney stones. So don't overdo the spinach either as in don't eat it every day. Kidney stones = no fun.

never heard such a thing i have hear to much water no fgood but really that is the biggest bs drinking water can not weaken your bladder sorry

I'm having a hard time with the spinach - kidney stones thing myself. How can someone possibly know that it's the spinach and not something else in the diet? Did they figure that out by having a large group of people eat nothing but spinach for months on end? That's like my brother saying that his LDL has dropped since he started eating oatmeal every morning (not because he started exercising; because he isn't eating like he used to or as much as he used to - it's the oatmeal and solely the oatmeal).

Not saying this is completely wrong - there is just no way to tell it's solely the spinach. Spinach is my staple green. I eat TONS of it and have never had issues. But I guess N=1.

hpsnickers1

APPLE JUICE: http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/apple-juice-can-pose-a-health-risk-from-calories-1.3360210

ORANGE JUICE: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/08/16/dirty-little-secret-orange-juice-is-artificially-flavored-to-taste-like-oranges.aspx?e_cid=20110816_DNL_art_1

WATER: http://www.watercure.com/index.html

Everyone should read: Your Body's Many Cries for Water by Dr. F. Batmaghelidj -- a real eye opener!
______________________________________________________________________________

I prefer EATING my calories thus limit liquid calories.

It's good that you don't drink soda - that stuff is plain poison. As far as the juice, you should give it up - it's a waste of calories; it's loaded with hidden chemicals. (See info links above.)

Drinking 64 ounces of water, daily, is a habit you must develop. It is a forced, concious act. Many years ago, to help remind me to drink my water, I used eight (8) paper clips (clipped to the top of a postcard). When I drank one cup of water*, I would move a paper clip to the bottom of the postcard. You really have to be mindful and not be bothered by the fact that you will be taking more trips to the rest room -- but your body will thank you!

I started out drinking ice cold water, but now I can easily drink room temperature water.

*At first, I forced myself to drink, not sip, each cup of water. Eight ounces (one cup) is really notthing. We're so used to drinking from 12oz or 16oz glasses that we forget what 8 ounces looks like.

Again, see if your local library carries Dr.Batmaghelidj's book: Your Body's Many Cries for Water.

You, too? I always say that. I prefer to eat my calories - it so much more enjoyable.

Bheller234

You could always do what i just did not even realizing i did it. I had a big cup of water with a straw and i just had a cup of soup that was extremely spicy and as i ate it kept grabbing my drink to try to get rid of some of the spiciness of the food. Even now that my soup is gone my mouth is still burning and i have already drank almost 3 cups of water because of it.

Ilovesewing

I don't/can't get water in either and frankly, I dislike it so much I don't really try. The best I can do in a day is 4 cups... and that is rare. I never never drink it ice cold - gives me a stomach ache as well as bothers my teeth. I don't drink sodas, and do drink about 2-3 cups of tea per day.

I work at a school where I share the bathroom with students - not something I want to do all day long so I drink sporatically while at work. I drink it more on my days off. I drink it more in the summer when I'm thirsty....very little this time of year. So yeah, I understand! It's tasteless and definitely not my beverage of choice!

lisafred24

Yes, I actually drink 10-15 8 oz cups of water per day. It will be hard at first, start off doubling your intake and double it every day until you are there. I bet once you have at 8 cups per day, you will notice a difference in a. how you feel, b. how your skin looks and c. how much quicker the weight comes off.

On the rare weeks that I don't drink my water like I should, I lose an average of 0-1 lbs, on the weeks when I do drink it every day I lose 3-5 lbs.