I am well-versed on the health and fitness benefits of water. I know that proper hydration is critical to, well, pretty much everything. I bring a full water bottle with me to work every day, since I don’t have access to a water machine while I’m there (which is a whole other issue). The problem is that the bottle just sits there on my desk. For whatever reason, I just don’t think to drink it. Is that weird?
And it’s not like I’m chugging other beverages, like soda and juice, instead. I pretty much only drink my favorite Polar seltzer waters, iced tea and lots of coffee. But the only time I ever really feel thirsty is after a workout. Otherwise, it’s like those messages, those feelings of “Hey, I’m thirsty!”, just aren’t getting through to my brain.
Which is strange, because I know I tend to get dehydrated. I routinely experience feelings of lightheadedness and fatigue, which could be symptomatic of a ton of other things, but my gut tells me it’s dehydration.
I realized the other day, when I stood up too quickly and saw stars for a few seconds, that it’s time I do something about it. That’s not to say that drinking a little more water is going to be a magic bullet cure, but it can’t hurt, right? And what better time to kick off a “drink more water” campaign than the month of July?
So welcome to the official first day of my 31 Day Drink More Water Challenge!
What does that mean? For the next 31 days — that’s the entire month of July — I am pledging to drink 64 ounces of water every day through a combination of flavored seltzer water and straight-up flat tap water. And I’ll keep track of my consumption through an app on my iPhone (Waterlogged).
64 ounces seems like a reasonable amount and a good place to start, especially since there are conflicting views on how much water we should drink per day. On one hand, we have experts who say the old “8 glasses a day” recommendation is a bunch of baloney and we need far less, while others say you should divide you ideal body weight in half, and drink that in ounces of water each day.
I’m splitting the difference.
Apparently, you have to do something for 21 days for it to become habit, so I’m hoping this exercise will turn drinking more water into part of my daily routine. So each week, as part of my Sunday meal planning posts, I’ll include a brief H20 challenge update and will share any tricks I’ve picked up along the way (adding lemon slices, freezing fruit-flavored ice cubes, etc.).
So join me! Lets do this fun 31 day challenge together and encourage each other! To get things rolling, let me know in the comments below how much water you drink on a daily basis and if drinking enough water has ever been a challenge.
P.S. I’ll also be tweeting about this challenge periodically on Twitter using the #drinkmoreh20 hashtag, so be sure to follow me!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I also need to drink more water. I get really light headed and my Dr “yells” at me all the time.
Jessica says
That makes two of us π
Michele C. says
It’s always a challenge but I would say I average around 60-70 ounces a day, sometimes more. I feel SO much better when I’m drinking my water!!!
Jessica says
Good for you!!! I think I had been drinking half that amount π
Jennifer D. says
I am like you – have good intentions to drink – bring a water bottle with me in the car, etc – but I always forget and it just sits there. And like you, I don’t ever feel the overwhelming urge to drink. Even worse, I live at over 6,000 feet so I’m supposed to drink even more. I frequently get up and see stars – not good. So, I’m going to check out this app and give it the ‘ol college try. Thanks for the reminder to take care of me π
Jessica says
Glad to know I’m not alone. Wanna join in on the challenge? I am sipping my lemon-infused water as we speak π
Kim D. says
Try cucumber water. That is pretty tasty. I also get frequent dizzy/lightheaded feelings, most likely from dehydration. Who knew?!? π
sheri says
Great challenge. Crazy how something so simple can be challenging. I made the commitment in January. I found success in using my 20 oz iced coffee cup (which I jug) and I keep refilling it. 80oz a day.
Carla says
I drink 2-4 Kleen Kanteen bottles – the long tall ones. I drank probably ten of those a day when I worked in an office and I could just walk over to the Brita filter every so often to escape my desk.
Kellie says
Hi! I have never commented on someone’s blog before. But, I was really encouraged by your post. I landed upon this blog when doing a google search for help on water drinking. I have struggled with drinking enough water my whole adult life. And, now I am afraid I am passing along these habits to my young children. I am a stay at home mom and homeschool my kindergartner and 3rd grader. I want to set a good example to them during the day. Due to some health changes since my third was born last yr, I think I am finally waking up to see how I don’t take care of myself and not drinking water has become a huge problem. Need to change that! And, I think a challenge is just what I need and I think your blog will help encourage that! So, I pledge to join you in this challenge.
Thank you!
Kellie
Jessica says
Hi Kellie! Welcome π I swear, buying a big water bottle with a straw was key for me. I also admit to using Dasani water drops – I love the grape flavor. Maybe it’s all in my head, but I do feel better now that I’m drinking less water. Good luck with your challenge – please keep me posted and let me know how it goes!!
Bethany says
Sounds like a great challenge! When I drink more water I notice it in my skin, and also that I sleep better!