Let your thirst guide you

We often hear it. "You should drink 8 glasses of water per day." Sounds easy, right? I guess if those glasses are made for smurfs, than yes. How many of us actually drink those 8 glasses?  And we're talking drinking water in its purest form -- not from the fountain of fizzy waters, which is what I'm 1 bajillion percent guilty of.  

The reason most people fail at developing this new habit of drinking eight glasses per day is because they try to add them all at once. I've tried that. I can't tell you how many new water bottles I've purchased, thinking that a fun new bottle would make my water consumption more enjoyable.  It is DANG HARD to go from drinking little or no water to drinking eight glasses. I end up feeling frustrated, let alone, nauseous, and honestly, who likes running to the bathroom all day! Actually, who likes running? Anywho...  Baby steps people. Remember that "all or nothing" mentality we are trying to get away from. Just add 2 glasses to your day this week. Preferably one when you first wake up, and another before dinner. Your body was gone through a fasting state for 6-8 hours depending on how many hours of sleep you get each night. Having gone those hours with no fluid also places your body in a state of mild dehydration.  One of the very best things you can do is drink 8 ounces of water as soon as you get up.  A splash of cranberry juice, lemon juice or any other natural flavoring will add some zip if you simply don't like it plain.  The glass before dinner is perfectly timed because by that point in the day many of us are already behind on our water intake.  We may be in a state of mild dehydration and a glass of water is just what the body needs.  Drinking a glass just before dinner has the added benefit of helping to control your appetite so you consume a slightly smaller dinner. If you are already a water-drinker, great!  Keep on doing what you are doing -- instead, focus on getting those two glasses in at those strategic times -- first thing in the morning and before dinner.  Whether you drink four, six or eight glasses per day, the ultimate goal is to stay well hydrated.