For the past 10 days, this brave work-at-home mom with nerves of steel made sure she got exactly 70 ounces of water a day. Over this time, I learned why doctors insist people drink more water. Here’s what you can expect:
1. I Peed … a Lot
The first thing I discovered is that if your body isn’t used to drinking so much water, you’re going to use the bathroom at least a couple of times a morning. One interesting side note is that my pee was much clearer than usual. After a quick Google search, I learned that this meant my kidneys were working great. So, thanks water for protecting my kidneys!
2. The Munchies Disappeared
This is one of the things that surprised me the most. During my 10 day experiment, I gradually noticed that my cravings for chocolate started to disappear. I wouldn’t turn down a few scoops of chocolate ice-cream if you offered, but I don’t feel the same pull for chocolate or snacks as before. It turns out this is real science. The munchies are often caused by dehydration, not because you’re hungry. Yeah, the brain is pretty weird sometimes.
3. I Have More Energy
As someone who LOVES coffee with her heart and soul, I was pleasantly surprised to see that drinking more water meant I didn’t need to brew a pot for the afternoon. I wasn’t sleepy, depressed or dragging my feet. My mind is more alert. I rely less on pick-me-ups during the day. Dehydration is one of the main causes of fatigue, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated feels SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE for your muscles, your brain and your mood.
4. My Skin Looks Phenomenal
I’m not the kind of person who spends tons of time with makeup. I tend to focus on my “natural beauty,” AKA pray that my hair doesn’t get tangled as I toss on my pajamas for working from home. However, I made a surprising discovery after upping my water intake: My skin is shockingly lustrous and smooth! Apparently, staying hydrated on the inside directly leads to the amount of moisture your skin gets. In fact, drinking plenty of water can be more effective than applying moisturizer to dry skin. Who knew?!
The Secret To Staying Hydrated
I’m not normally forgetful, but remembering to get those eight glasses of water was more of a challenge than I expected. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
In case you’re wondering, 70 ounces of water is basically half a gallon a day. It’s about eight glasses, but eight of those tiny plastic cups, not eight huge drinking glasses. I definitely recommend taking on your own 70-oz. water challenge!
This was very helpful came at the “right” time. I’m feeling practically all of the side affects of NOT drinking enough water.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Have a Super Sunday 💕
I had to make a point of staying hydrated due to adrenal insufficiency.3 drank and I drank and I drank . I added salt and squeezed fresh lemons into it , and I thought it was all good. My skin never looked better, and all of the things you said happened to me too😁. Only… during my annual, my Dr found that I was severely dehydrated? WHHAAAAT?! I said with my water bottle in hand that I never left the house without…. It seems I needed to add electrolytes in order to become truly dehydrated. Started adding one electrolytes packet in every other water bottle. I like IV Hydration. So does my doc. If you think you felt better before- Don’t play around though, get tested, so you know your ratios are right. You may not need to add them, but if you do, you will be pleased with the results!!🤸🏾♂️
Thank you so much. I needed this refresher.
I like to try this also feel may lose weight thank you for sharing
I leave a jug of water with lemon slices infusing, sometimes adding fresh basil as a change and a lovely crystal glass next To it. Water is refreshing and glass makes me feel spoilt!
Great advice
Very interesting article, I will have to measure an amout each day and work my way thro.
It’s good your drinking your water. I drink way over that and at times I still get dehydrated. Some people have to watch how much water they consume. In my case I have stomach issues and if I drink to much water I will puke
Water doesn’t go where it should go I could say my kidneys are healthy because my pee is clear all the time. I guess it depends on your system.
Great idea Thanx
For many years I volunteered as a car race official (national, international events). Drinking water was and still is a mainstay of my life. It assists with monitoring your electro-light activity, maintaining your balance.
Oh! Oh! There goes my type of sister here. I am addicted to water and I goes alot of INFUSE water too. Love it.
Thanks for making short and sweet and reading form. Hate the video ones- they too lengthy and takes forever to get the basic info. Yours is just right- keep it up!!’
Will try it n thank u
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m going to try this starting today 10/18 -10/24 .
If I drink green drinks 16 ozs and a smoothie each day 16 ozs does that count for glasses of water? Pls let me know. Thank you
I have just purchased a reverse osmosis water purifier. I figure if I have spent the money to get really great, healthy water, that I will be inspired to drink it!! Thanks for the encouragement.
Hi dear friend, thanks for your email ,information about to keep slim and healthy looking. You have said drink a glass of water before meals, well I reckon I will lose my appetite and won’t feel like finishing my meal. feel too full. After a meal( from morning,)how many hours gap to drink another glass of water? All the best to you. Jeanhduemancabral
Hi there, and thanks for your question. I think it’s best to drink the water when you feel it would be best for your wellbeing. Don’t feel like you need to have a “schedule” unless you want to, as long as you are spreading it out throughout the day. Make sure to ask your doctor if you have any specific concerns.
Hi Barbara! It really depends on the smoothie… and they will be a bit different every time. Every smoothie is bound to have some water content, but it’s not the same as a full glass of water. Maybe a good ballpark measurement would be to consider your smoothie as half a glass of water. Just make sure to spread the rest of your water out throughout the day. Happy hydrating!
Thank you for this information, drinking more water is something we all know we should do. But most of the time we do not think it makes much difference and get fed up with peeing all the time.
But I will certainly now try more to drink more water, as you have shown me the potential results.
Thank you very much for this.
I drink ALOT of water also Kathy, and my Dr. Kept telling me I was dehydrated too! “Drink more, drink more” ! Yeah right! There isn’t enough hours in the day!! Where would I find your electrolytes? I remember going to urgent care one day, and that Dr. Said”don’t drink TOO much water though” ! How much is too much! I am very often dehydrated! Before bed now, I drink a juice glass of Gatoraid.I can’t stand the taste of it tho!