Drinking more water..

suzieannfat
suzieannfat Posts: 47 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
How do you drink more water, even when I drink as much as I can, and still only drink 6 cups. How do some people drink 12 cups a day?
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Replies

  • FrankieFreaking5Kids
    FrankieFreaking5Kids Posts: 12
    I get less ice than I like and I use a straw. It goes down so much faster and doesn't feel like a chore.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    Some people carry a bottle around all day or force it down. I believe the '8 glasses a day' thing has been debunked and you can listen to your body and drink when you're thirsty. We get a lot of water intake from our foods and our other beverages.
  • Supertact
    Supertact Posts: 466 Member
    try tea aswell, with nothing added
  • angulasalajillo
    angulasalajillo Posts: 84
    I drink 2-3 litres a day plus at least 1 litre of herbal tea...
    I found that keeping a large bottle (2l) of water at my desk was the trick, and ensuring I drank the whole lot before I left the office. I then always drink at least one more litre when I get home.

    I have an oversized mug for my tea too (500ml) :smile:
  • Anselee
    Anselee Posts: 62 Member
    I have a liter bottle that I fill at least 3 times a day and on some days I drink more depending on if I have a longer work out or if I'm just feeling thirsty. It helps to just have a bottle or a glass with you and as soon as you empty it fill it up again and repeat. After awhile it becomes a habit. You really get alot of benefits by increasing your water intake. Hope that helps xx
  • CEMH1
    CEMH1 Posts: 33
    I have a desk job which helps. Bottled water always on my desk. I'm currently drinking 8-10 cups before I leave the office at 4:30. At first it was a chore but like anything if you keep it up it becomes habit. Drinking that much water also keeps me feeling full. A nice side benefit.

    As mentioned we do get water through food as well. Maybe just try the 6 cups and make that a habit, when you have that seemingly like a normal thing up it another cup, until you are at your desired 8.

    Good luck!
  • sabified
    sabified Posts: 1,035 Member
    I drink 2-3 litres a day plus at least 1 litre of herbal tea...
    I found that keeping a large bottle (2l) of water at my desk was the trick, and ensuring I drank the whole lot before I left the office. I then always drink at least one more litre when I get home.

    I have an oversized mug for my tea too (500ml) :smile:

    This (including the oversized mug! :) But I try not to put too much sugar in my tea... I feel like that defeats the purpose, lol... I use Stevia where I can)

    and also
    I have a liter bottle that I fill at least 3 times a day and on some days I drink more depending on if I have a longer work out or if I'm just feeling thirsty. It helps to just have a bottle or a glass with you and as soon as you empty it fill it up again and repeat. After awhile it becomes a habit. You really get alot of benefits by increasing your water intake. Hope that helps xx

    This. Keeping a bottle on you is so helpful - you basically need to build the "habit" of drinking water (and get used to going to the bathroom a million times, lol... I think I've heard that you go more often when you first start trying because your body isn't used to getting so much water and then it gets better after, but can't remember where I got that from so not sure if it's true)
  • _Calypso_
    _Calypso_ Posts: 1,074 Member
    I drink more at work than I do on weekends at home b/c I have a 24oz water bottle at my desk. I make sure I drink one full one before lunch, one with lunch and one or two after lunch.


    At home I have a 24oz glass and I drink one full one when I first wake up. Gets all the organs up and ready for the day. Then I refill it and I drink another 24oz before I leave the house. So a min of 48oz before 8a! I also drink at least two of those after work. So that is 96oz not counting what I drink at work. That is 12cups.

    I'd suggest buying a water bottle and setting a goal to refill it min 5x in one day. Goals are good
  • willrun4bagels
    willrun4bagels Posts: 838 Member
    I drink 120+ ounces of water a day. I have a 32 ounce Nalgene water bottle that I literally carry with me everywhere. It's always on my desk, in my bag, in my car, at family functions, etc. with me. I'm also not pickey about how the water tastes - if it's tap water and it's safe to drink, I will drink it. My SO refuses to drink anything that doesn't come from the Brita pitcher. I also prefer room temperature water, not cold. Too cold and I can't drink it as fast: room temperature and I can drink a whole 32oz bottle in one "sip" after a workout. I love me some water!!!! And I get a headache if I go too long without any. I don't know how some people don't drink ANY (one of my coworkers for example. :huh: )
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    There is no benefit to drinking large quantities of water. If your urine is pale yellow then you're hydrated. You get lots of fluids from the food you eat and your body doesn't care if it's water, tea, coffee, soup, milk, juice or a piece of fruit (an apple is 85% water). Chugging a lot of water doesn't lead to weight loss and can actually wash out vitamins and minerals that your body needs not to mention straining your kidneys. It's been proven that the whole 8 glasses, 1/2 your bodyweight, etc are all myths.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I read a book on healthy eating habits once that actually ridiculed today's Americans and how they carry drinks around all day like babies with a bottle. 40 years ago cars didn't have cupholders, conference rooms didn't have trays of breads and pitchers of beverages, there weren't coffee shops on every corner with 100 high calorie concoctions and a fountain soda was about 10 ozs. Bottled water was Perrier and that's about it. The point was that we now like to have that oral stimulation all day... in the car, in the meeting, in the line. We used to just eat 3 meals and maybe a snack. It was an interesting perspective. The beverage industry has exploded.
  • bepeejaye
    bepeejaye Posts: 775 Member
    I drink hot water during the day at work...I mean hot..no lemon...I sip it like tea..weird,I know..but that is what I grew up drinking, and now am addicted to it. At five a.m I have two glasses, with vitamins etc

    I boil a kettleful of water and put into a thermos. I also carry a bottle..26 oz. of hot water. All this I drink throughout the day. I guess the sipping part makes drinking alot more that easy. If I don't have my hot water bottle in my hand I feel like am missing something.

    Back home from work I carry 28 oz. of water to the gym..I add whey protein isolate to help me with cardio or weightlifting..I work each out on alternate days....then afore retiring to bed I have two more glasses of water.

    By the end of each day I find that I drink 100+ oz. of water...subconsciously!! And sometimes I even forget to log all the water in

    I don't drink because some scientific study, theory or not, posits that I should. Like I said, it is just something that is second nature to me. I think a noticeable feature about that is my smooth skin...I get lots of compliments..and going to the loo..for em..number two (pardon) is "easier."
  • _Calypso_
    _Calypso_ Posts: 1,074 Member
    I read a book on healthy eating habits once that actually ridiculed today's Americans and how they carry drinks around all day like babies with a bottle. 40 years ago cars didn't have cupholders, conference rooms didn't have trays of breads and pitchers of beverages, there weren't coffee shops on every corner with 100 high calorie concoctions and a fountain soda was about 10 ozs. Bottled water was Perrier and that's about it. The point was that we now like to have that oral stimulation all day... in the car, in the meeting, in the line. We used to just eat 3 meals and maybe a snack. It was an interesting perspective. The beverage industry has exploded.

    And your point?? While I agree that bottle water and beverages in general have increased; it does not change the fact that you still need water to survive. You can survive longer w/out food that you can w/out water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and help keep our organs funtioning properly, regulates body temp, assists with flushing of wastes and much more. We *need* about 2.5 - 3 liters per day (12 cups). However one needs to take into consideration their daily activity. Most people mistake hunger for dehydration. So instead of quenching our body's thirst, we eat. And depending on what we eat...there will be little water consumed. Which will then cause water retention.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    My point is that the "we need x glasses/oz. per day" thing and a lot of the other oft-repeated 'musts' have been debunked. And that if you drink all day long that might be a habit that is not as beneficial as you believe, from a behavioral standpoint.

    There are also studies that show that water-rich foods like soups are more filling to people than say the same food with the same amount of water drank on the side. A lot of people claim water is filling to them but studies don't show that being common.

    It's just food for thought. No need to get defensive, I'm not taking your bottle away. :drinker:
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    I read a book on healthy eating habits once that actually ridiculed today's Americans and how they carry drinks around all day like babies with a bottle. 40 years ago cars didn't have cupholders, conference rooms didn't have trays of breads and pitchers of beverages, there weren't coffee shops on every corner with 100 high calorie concoctions and a fountain soda was about 10 ozs. Bottled water was Perrier and that's about it. The point was that we now like to have that oral stimulation all day... in the car, in the meeting, in the line. We used to just eat 3 meals and maybe a snack. It was an interesting perspective. The beverage industry has exploded.

    And your point?? While I agree that bottle water and beverages in general have increased; it does not change the fact that you still need water to survive. You can survive longer w/out food that you can w/out water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and help keep our organs funtioning properly, regulates body temp, assists with flushing of wastes and much more. We *need* about 2.5 - 3 liters per day (12 cups). However one needs to take into consideration their daily activity. Most people mistake hunger for dehydration. So instead of quenching our body's thirst, we eat. And depending on what we eat...there will be little water consumed. Which will then cause water retention.

    So since the dawn of man we've been walking around dehydrated and unhealthy? Now suddenly the wonders of water have been discovered and we're all soooo much healthier? Statistics don't really back up that claim.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    My point is that the "we need x glasses/oz. per day" thing and a lot of the other oft-repeated 'musts' have been debunked. And that if you drink all day long that might be a habit that is not as beneficial as you believe, from a behavioral standpoint.

    There are also studies that show that water-rich foods like soups are more filling to people than say the same food with the same amount of water drank on the side. A lot of people claim water is filling to them but studies don't show that being common.

    It's just food for thought. No need to get defensive, I'm not taking your bottle away. :drinker:

    I'm thinking we must be of the same generation. Back when you drank when you were thirsty and maybe even right out of the garden hose!
  • lithezebra
    lithezebra Posts: 3,670 Member
    I don't think that you need 12 cups of water a day, or even 8. I drink enough fluid, judging by the fact that I'm not dehydrated.
  • LiminalAscendance
    LiminalAscendance Posts: 489 Member
    My point is that the "we need x glasses/oz. per day" thing and a lot of the other oft-repeated 'musts' have been debunked. And that if you drink all day long that might be a habit that is not as beneficial as you believe, from a behavioral standpoint.

    There are also studies that show that water-rich foods like soups are more filling to people than say the same food with the same amount of water drank on the side. A lot of people claim water is filling to them but studies don't show that being common.

    It's just food for thought. No need to get defensive, I'm not taking your bottle away. :drinker:

    I'm thinking we must be of the same generation. Back when you drank when you were thirsty and maybe even right out of the garden hose!

    I think it tastes better out of the toilet.
  • jfauci
    jfauci Posts: 531 Member
    I don't really see the need to drink that much water. 6 cups sounds fine to me. If you're thirsty, drink more. If not, don't worry about it. There are some days that I drink 8 oz and others where I drink 32 oz. All depends on how you feel.
  • jayrae87
    jayrae87 Posts: 36 Member
    I don't think you need to be forcing yourself to drink more water than that. Listen to your body! There is such a thing as too much water and if you're forcing it, you can make yourself sick.
  • _Calypso_
    _Calypso_ Posts: 1,074 Member
    I read a book on healthy eating habits once that actually ridiculed today's Americans and how they carry drinks around all day like babies with a bottle. 40 years ago cars didn't have cupholders, conference rooms didn't have trays of breads and pitchers of beverages, there weren't coffee shops on every corner with 100 high calorie concoctions and a fountain soda was about 10 ozs. Bottled water was Perrier and that's about it. The point was that we now like to have that oral stimulation all day... in the car, in the meeting, in the line. We used to just eat 3 meals and maybe a snack. It was an interesting perspective. The beverage industry has exploded.

    And your point?? While I agree that bottle water and beverages in general have increased; it does not change the fact that you still need water to survive. You can survive longer w/out food that you can w/out water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water and help keep our organs funtioning properly, regulates body temp, assists with flushing of wastes and much more. We *need* about 2.5 - 3 liters per day (12 cups). However one needs to take into consideration their daily activity. Most people mistake hunger for dehydration. So instead of quenching our body's thirst, we eat. And depending on what we eat...there will be little water consumed. Which will then cause water retention.

    So since the dawn of man we've been walking around dehydrated and unhealthy? Now suddenly the wonders of water have been discovered and we're all soooo much healthier? Statistics don't really back up that claim.

    Didn't say that we walked around dehydrated. But we ate better (less chemicals and perservatives) so we not only drank enough, but ate enough food that gave us water. Didn't say we had to drink all 12 cups either - some of our food contain water. However, depending on activity most people will need to drink more. People now are so busy...go go go.... they forget to drink anything. Or they have a soda or coffee and thats it. So yes.... people are dehydrated more than they realize.
  • moment_to_arise
    moment_to_arise Posts: 207 Member
    for myself, i found that i physically crave more water now that i started doing heavy lifting. and the days i lift i want to drink more water than on rest days. before i started lifting i would only drink like 6-8 cups a day, but now that i am lifting i am drinking 10-12 on some days. but i never force myself to drink, i just naturally want to drink more. it's not about forcing yourself, its just about listening to your body and giving it what it needs :)
  • Tiernan1212
    Tiernan1212 Posts: 797 Member
    I have a desk job which helps. Bottled water always on my desk. I'm currently drinking 8-10 cups before I leave the office at 4:30. At first it was a chore but like anything if you keep it up it becomes habit. Drinking that much water also keeps me feeling full. A nice side benefit.

    As mentioned we do get water through food as well. Maybe just try the 6 cups and make that a habit, when you have that seemingly like a normal thing up it another cup, until you are at your desired 8.

    Good luck!

    This is what I do too. Plus I leave the bottles at room temperature. For me, they are easier to drink that way.
  • MercenaryNoetic26
    MercenaryNoetic26 Posts: 2,747 Member
    Buy a 32oz water bottle, some MIO, drink throughout the day. I like to drink at least 4 liters a day.


    Eta: then on top of it a whole carafe of black coffee!
  • WhisperingCloud
    WhisperingCloud Posts: 28 Member
    I drink it with a lemon slice, it makes it more yummy
  • nordicskater
    nordicskater Posts: 9 Member
    Crystal light (or generic) really helps! No calories and tastes great!
  • Skeebee
    Skeebee Posts: 740 Member
    I keep it in one big container that was pre-measured. When I drink, I know if I finish the bottle, I've had 10 cups. Also, if I do a day where i can't stand water (I'm 4 months pregnant so that is happening right now), I'll add some lemon and liquid stevia for lemonade OR I'll do some uncaffeinated fruit flavored tea and stevia added to it.
  • 1princesswarrior
    1princesswarrior Posts: 1,242 Member
    I have to drink at least 100oz per day on light activity days to prevent migraines and at least a gallon a day on regular activity days. But that's me. Here's a link to a short article that does not account for activity.

    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

    It took me awhile to make it a habit and I also drink unsweetened teas. I always have a Nalgene or Camelbak bottle with me, usually two and I drink a lot in my car.
  • Skeebee
    Skeebee Posts: 740 Member
    Another weird thing, too, is I drink it more if it's room temperature or warm vs. cold or with ice. Not sure why, but it's a personal preference.
  • bepeejaye
    bepeejaye Posts: 775 Member
    Also climatic conditions may have a role to play in hydration. Like where I am, in the Southwest, the air is very dry...skin dries up fast...chapped lips etc...if you don't hydrate, you get in trouble. We have had cases onsite at work, where people have passed out etc. Most are those on TDY from out-of-towners...

    As a result, one of the safety training requirements before entering our site is one of hydration.

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