The Lighter Side of Me

join the 7-day water challenge

2/5/2018

When it comes to water, I think I've heard it all.

DRINK MORE!
Whatever you do, don't get dehydrated!
You can never drink too much!
You CAN drink too much!
Water helps you lose weight!
For God's Sake, avoid water retention!!

My head is swimming from all the water talk.

So, what's the deal when it comes to water? How much SHOULD you drink to stay properly hydrated?

Could it be as simple as a basic math equation? A U.S. News & World Report story claims the following:

Total Body Weight X .50 = Minimum ounces of water you should drink per day

Excuse me...but for me, that would be...let me see...315.8 X .50 = 157.9 ounces

If you want to find me, I'll be moving into the bathroom!

Ok, not exactly realistic, at least for me. How about you?

The classic six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water is a good baseline to start with for daily water consumption. But, the bottom line: EVERYONE'S NEEDS ARE DIFFERENT!!! No way am I going to recommend how much each person should drink.

For a while, I tried to drink at least 100 ounces of water a day. In the summer, it was a piece of cake. Once the weather got colder, though—damn, it got tough.

So, we know we should drink water and most of us can probably stand to drink more. That's why my first puzzle piece for February is a 7-Day Water Challenge.

The best part of this challenge? YOU choose how much you want to drink. Ideally, it should be more than what you're already drinking (unless you're water rock star...then I bow before you. For real!)

For me, I'm going for at least 80 ounces a day.

And, for the record, I count any non-calorie liquid as water. Tap water, bottled water, seltzer water, coffee, tea, diet pop/soda, Crystal Light. NO JUDGEMENTS HERE! The goal is to get hydrated. I don't give a drop about how you do it. But, avoid the high calorie and high caffeine drinks, because why waste your calories on that, right?

Are you ready to join me? It's only for 7 days! Leave a comment below or over on my pinned post on my Facebook Page. I want to cheer you on and we can help each other. Share pics of your amazing water bottles or what your drinking. Share ideas of how to make it easier to get that water in!

I'll be sharing some tips throughout the week! I know it's not easy. But you will feel better by getting hydrated!

Cheers!

28 Comments

Jo Owens

2/5/2018 04:20:11 pm

Marie, i just found you today on Facebook! I’m very excited! I’ve been doing a lot of the things you are doing, but have hit a slump the past few weeks. I am going to follow you and your tips etc. I feel more energized from reading your experiences already!
Thank you very much.

Marie Rossiter

2/5/2018 08:06:46 pm

Hi Jo! The road is long and takes many detours, doesn't it? It helps so much to know there are others out there walking the same path and experience the bumps along the way. I'm excited you found us!!

Nancy

2/5/2018 04:37:36 pm

I will join you. I have been trying to drink Kombucha (loaded with probiotics) and cider vinegar but the taste of both is unpleasant. I will be mixing up my water cocktails and joining you to drink 80 ounces each day. I realize that there are benefits to all three... so we'll see if I feel wonderful after a week of this! I am going to use Crystal Light because I'm finding that it masks the taste of the other two additives.

2/5/2018 08:08:31 pm

Nancy, for me I've found I have to drink stuff I like or it's just a huge challenge! You've got this! We'll go for the goal together!

Mendy Stewart

2/5/2018 04:52:22 pm

Thank you! I am not a fan of winter & am struggling with my water intake. This challenge is just what I need! My challenge will be 80 ounces of water.

2/5/2018 08:09:21 pm

I'm right there with you Mendy! The cold temps just suck my desire to drink out the window! But, with focus, we can do it! Welcome and so glad you're here!

Wendy

2/5/2018 05:08:19 pm

So I just found you from a post on fb. I have been thinking a lot lately of cutting out soda entirely and drinking nothing but water and milk at meals.

I'll be honest, the only water I usually get is when I take meds twice a day. And even then it's only sips.

2/5/2018 08:10:59 pm

Hi Wendy! Welcome! Cutting soda can be a very good thing, of course. I've cut way back, but still drink a little every day. Again, in the summer, it's less believe it or not.

If you don't drink much, start the challenge out small. Baby steps will take you far! I can't wait to see how you do!

Julie

2/5/2018 05:31:59 pm

I wanted so bad to get going for the New Year and failed... then, I saw a post that said January was just practice, to start in Feb. So... I’m in... I’m starting with you today, on the water thing. Thanks for the inspiration!

2/5/2018 08:03:53 pm

Julie first....there is no fail!!! It is never too late to get started! Welcome and let's take this in baby steps, starting with water this week! ;)

Leanne Burlew

2/5/2018 09:07:13 pm

I’m in for 100! If I can track all liquids I’m in!

2/5/2018 09:15:53 pm

Absolutely Leanne! I am not the drink police! LOL! Do your best, that's all we can do!

Kristina link

2/5/2018 11:05:10 pm

My why: not to get diabetes.
To stop drinking soda so much!!!
I did stop the high caffeine drinks. However, some days I can easily pound away a few 32 oz Coke’s. On days that I focus more to choose water, I can do it. I choose to do a 7 day challenge with at least 64 oz of water to start.

2/8/2018 11:38:50 am

Hi Kristina! Not getting diabetes is an outstanding why. Cutting down on those Cokes will definitely help. But, I know it's not easy. I don't drink regular pop any more, but still love my Coke Zero.

Keep me posted on your water challenge progress!

Linde

2/5/2018 11:25:01 pm

Hello and congratulations on your positive journey. I found you on fb on the 1011 channel article. Im on the beginning of week 2. Tried everything but im going to count on a buddy system here. Thank you for this blog.

2/8/2018 11:37:10 am

Hi Linde! Congrats on starting your journey. Two weeks is amazing! I'd be happy to be a "buddy" for you along the way!

Thank you for reading! It helps me stay accountable, too!

Pam

2/6/2018 06:10:35 am

Hi Marie! I just found your site and really like what I have read so far. I haven't read much yet but so far it seems like I could have written some of it.

I have lost 77 pounds in WW, but have really been struggling the last few weeks. I have gained about 15 pounds by eating like I used to.

I have read people say you can't gain that much weight in 3 weeks. Oh yes I can. I used to weigh 330 lbs and it takes a LOT of food to just maintain that weight. I'm talking a whole pizza for dinner, several cupcakes a day, bags of candy... I have always known for me it is a mindset and boy has my mind been off recently.

I started back on plan a couple of days ago, but ate like crazy last night. But I will forget about that and get back on plan right now!!

I look forward to reading more on your blog. I don't really have an accountability partner, so I'm using this comment as my get my butt back in gear accountability post.

Oh yeah, I am starting your blog challenge. For me I count any liquid except diet soda. I still drink the occasional soda, but just don't count it towards my water intake. I will aim for 80 oz a day.

Thanks for your great blog!

2/8/2018 11:35:50 am

Hi Pam! First, THANK YOU for the sweet comments! I'm happy to be an accountability partner. I kind of look at this blog and the comments as my accountability partners. I've learned I can't travel this road alone. I'm just not strong enough! And, that's not a weakness! You can do it!

Looking forward to sharing our journeys together!

chandy

2/6/2018 09:52:56 am

I literally hate drinking water but I am going to try and do this challenge. Small steps like you said. May take me awhile but I am up for the challenge.

2/8/2018 11:33:47 am

Hi Chandy! I know it's rough. But, focusing on the small steps will get you there! How's the challenge going so far for you? Kepe me posted!

Brenda

2/6/2018 12:02:25 pm

Just found your site and coincidently have just started to take controll of my weught and diet. I am NOT a water drinker, if I drank one small glass per day that was good...now making myself have a LARGE glass with each meal and find I may actually drink two. Starting a Hormone diet class on Monday so a different apprroach so will see how that goes since other common diets never seemed to work. Got at least 50 lbs + to go.

2/8/2018 11:32:43 am

Brenda, congrats on starting to take control of your diet. You are on the right track with including a large glass with each meal. Don't focus on how far the journey is - focus on the baby steps you need to get there. And you will!

Cane

2/6/2018 12:30:43 pm

Hello. Yes I will join your 7 day water challenege!!

2/8/2018 11:31:19 am

Welcome Cane! Glad you're joining us! How's it going so far for you? Keep me posted!

Lynn

2/6/2018 05:04:19 pm

Thank you! I'm restarting my journey with weight loss. I want to focus on eating healthier, moving my body more and drinking more water! Challenge accepted!

2/8/2018 11:29:10 am

WTG Lynn! Glad you're on board! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! You can do it!

Lisa

2/8/2018 11:19:33 am

I will join you! I drink flavored water all the time and tea. I am borderline diabetic, my cholesterol is not good, I have high bp. Then end of Dec. I had half of my thyroid removed d/t carcinoma along with 3 lymph nodes. I will go back next month to have the other half removed then will do radiation. Anyway, I need to loose the weight for my health. I'm 44. I'm 5'9 and weight 310lbs. I have 3 kids: 21 yr old daughter, 9 yr old son and 5 yr old daughter. I need to be here for them. It's so easy to gain weight but sucks loosing it. I need all of the support I can get! Sorry for this long winded comment. Thanks for reading, Lisa

2/8/2018 11:27:50 am

Welcome Lisa! So glad to have you join us! I'm so sorry to hear of your recent health struggles. But, it sounds like you're a fighter! Losing weight is hard, but the work is worth it! Most importantly YOU ARE WORTH IT! Your kids adore you, shouldn't you love yourself, too? That was a lesson I needed to learn, but it took me 20 years!

Start small on this new lifestyle. Trying to do too much too soon can set us up for failure. Choose one thing and focus on it for a few days, then add something else. I started with just writing everything down I ate. No calorie counting or points counting. Just wrote it down whatever I put in my mouth (food or drink). I learned a lot!

You can do this! We'll be with you! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

the lighter side of me

join the 7-day water challenge

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