Photo by Jenny DowningWhen I was in high school, I sang a duet at our spring concert. The song was called “Heart Half Empty,” and it has been stuck in my head since I started writing this post.
Anyway.
Sometimes I hear people say things that are just annoying. Things like, “I don’t have time to watch TV.” Or, “Oh, I can’t eat fast food anymore. It upsets my stomach.” Or perhaps, “I just can’t go a day without exercising. I get cranky!”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that these things are bad or even untrue. No, they’re annoying statements because, sure, I’d love develop an aversion to fast food and television and spend more time working out. But that’s just not real life. At least, it’s not my real life.
And so I get annoyed.
But you know what I found myself thinking the other day when a co-worker mentioned that she doesn’t like water? “Really? Wow. Sometimes I crave water. I can’t get enough. I like water.”
I almost became one of those people with my annoying, self-righteous, good-habited statements.
But, just like those folks who hate fast food and love to exercise (and somehow don’t make TV watching a priority), I meant it. It’s the truth. I drink a lot of water. And I like it.
Does that make me weird? Maybe. But it’s my one good habit, and besides, we all know the benefits of drinking more water: weight loss, better skin, live to 100. (Just kidding on that last one.) So perhaps I can offer some helpful hints on getting more water in your day. (More, as in six to eight cups, of course!)
- If you’re a fan of bottled water (because, yes, I realize some of you probably are not in favor of disposable plastic bottles), buy a 24-pack and keep it in your car. Then you can drink a bottle on your way to work, while running errands or on the way to drop off the kids at school.
- If you are opposed to those landfill-filling bottles, then get a good thermos. That way, you can keep your “car water” cold. And save the earth. (Serious side note: I’m all for non-disposable things. But in the interests of full disclosure, I often drink water from plastic bottles.)
- If you work at a desk – or in the kitchen or in a classroom or, you get the point – keep a cup for water there. That’s what I do – I keep a giant plastic cup at my desk at all times, refilling it a few times a day.
- If you can’t stand the flavor of water (really?), use the sugar-free mix-ins. I know Crystal Light makes lots of flavors; so does Great Value at Walmart.
- Drink with a straw. If you need to, a colorful, twisty one. I can’t promise this will make your water taste like Diet Coke, but it might making drinking it a little more fun.
- Add ice. Personally, I like cold water with no ice. But my co-worker swears that drinking water with ice speeds up your metabolism. Or at least makes the water colder.
Okay, how about you? Do you drink water? I know I have more trouble getting my water in over the weekend, when I’m on the go – or at least not at a desk all day. When do you find it harder to drink your six to eight?
Drinking water works for me. For more tips, visit We Are THAT Family.
Out of all the junk I eat, and believe me I have a sweet tooth, I swore off sodas almost 10 years ago and it stuck. So, pretty much all I drink is water and like you I crave it. That is not to say that I do get the recommended amount :( but this has been a good reminder to amp up!
having water with a straw and ice makes ALL the difference!! then i love it!
We keep 2 huge jugs with spouts in the fridge. One is filled with water at all times, the other is filled with crystal lite (or it's generic alternative). I'm trying to get the kids in the habit of drinking water instead of 24/7 with milk. What I found is a great rubbermaid reusable bottle that doesn't leak with a straw lid (Big Lots, $3) and I fill that thing up 4 times a day, at least. The easier I make it to just have cold water available, the more I drink it. Hardest time for me to get it in? Mornings, during Mama's coffee parade. 7am-11am I am Joe's girl.
This post made me go and grab a glass of water! Ha. The power of suggestion!
I drink mine cold without ice too, in the summer I'll drop a cube or two in. I would totally encourage you to explore options other than plastic bottles though! Have you tried the Sigg bottles? They sell them at Target & they keep your water cold, easy to carry, and we're not filling the landfill with plastic bottles and/or using resources to recycle.
Almost every night, I go to the fridge to get soda or juice or tea, and then decide that really what I'm craving is water. Even though I've been drinking it all day at work, I just can't get enough of it. I'll even sigh or groan in happiness at having a glass of water…and I'll guzzle it right there at the sink.
I love water, but it's got to be icy cold. If it's lukewarm it makes me gag. My best friend is the exact opposite!
I am horrible about getting my needed water!! I think I would have so much more energy if I did. I don't mind it so much, but having to use the bathroom every 15 minutes annoys me!
As for the "don't have time for the tv": I know I'm one of "those" people that have made that annoying statement! However, I think you will find once Annalyn is older and when you have some activity EVERY single day and night of the week, it just doesn't happen. (oh, it also doesn't help not having reliable reception!) It's probably good that I don't watch TV, my house is already a pig sty. I think if I did watch TV, it would be legally condemned!
i hate water. so i have to be REALLY intentional about drinking it. and i've so been slacking lately…
sure mar,i like water…if it tastes like something else! i should drink more since i'm nursing, but i don't…honestly i don't get very thirsty…but, after your post, i'm going to try to do better.
You just had to mention that bad word! WATER! I totally don't drink enough of it…or anything liquid for that matter. Everything I consume has to be ice cold, including milk (I know, sounds gross!) but I very seldom finish a glass of anything at one sitting. Not sure why? I promise I'll try to do a better job!
I'm always trying to drink more water! Using a PUR pitcher helps me. I've also used TruLemon, at times. But really, keeping the cup next to me works the best.
There are only two times I have trouble getting enough water:
1. When the tap water is safe but tastes funny. I am very anti-bottled water, so this can be a big problem. But I've discovered that a little bit of lemon juice makes most water taste better! At home, our water usually tastes great, but it has occasionally musty-flavored days. I keep a bottle of lemon juice in the fridge door and add a slosh to my glass. It costs much less than those mix-ins and has Vitamin C, too!
2. On long car trips, I tend to feel tired but not realize I'm thirsty. A few years ago I got myself into this habit: When I make a rest stop, I wash my travel mug, fill it with water, drink it all down, then get coffee. It's amazing how much this "stretches" the alertness effect of the coffee.
I currently have a 24 pack of water in my van for that very purpose.
And I love to go to Starbucks and get my coffee and a BIG water in their clear cups with the green straw — there's something about it that tastes soooo goooood!
Hugs!
cold water does speed up your metabolism. because your body works to get the water warmed up to your body temp. or so i've heard!
and i agree… the funkier the straw the better the water!
cold water does speed up your metabolism. because your body works to get the water warmed up to your body temp. or so i've heard!
and i agree… the funkier the straw the better the water!