I hear it all the time: How much water do I NEED to drink?
Well, that depends. How good do you want to feel?
Yeah, I know. That’s probably not what you wanted to hear. And for some, the thought of drinking water is painful. No flavor, no fizz – BORING!
But if you want the truth, I’m going to give it to you. And you might need to flip your perspective a bit.
Let me take a step back first.
For years I, probably like you, was told to drink eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day. And if I’m being honest, I did well to drink one.
I would always have the best of intentions. I would bring a jug of water to work, and stare at it all day almost willing it to someone look satisfying. I’d take a sip here and there, but I would end up going back to having my coffee, Later on, I’d throw in a can or two of diet death when further dehydration set in and called it a day.
I’d reflect on these days and beat myself up knowing I didn’t drink but a mere few sips. In my heart, I knew this was not healthy. But I mean, how did so many people drink so much water and feel satisfied? How did they do it?
Then came a day that I got on program. ( This is a whole other story, trust me!)
I got a coach. And was challenged for at least a month to drink 60 ounces a day.
Ugh.
But one day, became two, became three, became 30.
And then I noticed how much better of a runner I became.
As I started to get into the running arena I drank more water and I felt the difference. And I had to babystep my way into it. Being a teacher (as I was at the time), you can’t just run to the bathroom when you want.Â
But I wasn’t going to let that be my excuse.Â
I wasn’t reaching for junk food. Water filled me.
My running improved because I was hydrated from water, not dehydrated from pop and coffee.
My attention span was stronger.
Energy came back.
AND I craved water!
Heck, I was drinking over 80 ounces a day! And now it’s a habit I don’t even think about. I don’t dread it.
I just do it.
I wish I could give you the magic pill for wanting water. Unfortunately, sometimes in life, you just have to do something because it’s what’s best, not necessarily because you enjoy it in the beginning. You have to simply suck it up.Â
But in your heart, you know this is for your benefit. It’s a matter of health and well-being.Â
Only you can make the decision to want to live your best life.
For me, the decision is easy.