Thursday, March 22, 2012

H-Twenty

Merica is having a crazy week, and I am getting ready for a vacation, so this blog has been a little sparse lately, for which we both apologize.

Today I am packing, packing, car wash, errands (did you ever try to get ready for an 8-day trip AND buy a house AND make multiple trips - including a discharge - to the hospital AND take care of an 87-year old invalid in the same 3 days? Yeah, not recommended), packing to be ready to leave by 5 p.m.

Which brings me to my quick little post subject:

Water.

Just want to make sure you're all getting your 2 quarts/day minimum.

I just finished reading a book about water. I don't necessarily endorse the book - it was very poorly written (I am willing to forgive that, since the author was from Iran - maybe it was translated into English?), hard to follow, a little hard to believe, and gave no clearly-defined remedies (just a vague "increase in water and a little extra salt added to the diet").

I DO, however, heavily endorse the drinking of water. And the book served to remind me of its importance, and strengthened my resolve to make sure I get my 8 generous cups every single day.

In case you're like me, and need detailed instructions on how other people do something in order to get your mind rolling with your own ideas, here's my routine:

I have to guzzle it, a cup at a time. Which means (aside from the fact that one of these days I am going to pass out while drinking my water - but if I don't do it all at once, I won't do it) it has to be around room temperature, or it makes my teeth scream in agony. So, I fill my cup the night before and set it on the counter. In the morning, I drink my first cup. I try to drink at least 16 ounces during my workout, so that's 3 cups before breakfast. And I make a mark for each on my calendar to keep track.

I try to do 5 cups before noon. Because I don't want to remember at 6 p.m. that I have to drink 7 cups of water, and feel like I am drowning. Plus, I don't want to be having to use the bathroom every ten minutes in the afternoon and evening, because that is when the majority of my not being home happens. Every time I go in my kitchen, I fill up my cup and down it. I like to keep a piece of citrus peel (orange, usually) in the bottom of my cup (I change it every day). That makes the water taste a little more special.

Anyway, there's my 2 cents on water.

Anyone else have tips to share on getting your daily water?

Oh, and thank you, one and all, for the wonderful advice on travelling. It was so helpful! You guys are the greatest!

5 comments:

  1. Ooh, good ideas! When I'm good about my water I keep my hospital mug I got from having babies filled up and in the fridge (I like mine cold). That thing is half your daily requirement! The only problem I have is remembering to fill it again and stick it in the fridge. Still working on that one.

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  2. I don't get enough...but now that I've read your post, I'll try harder. I'd much rather read your funny post than an ill written, hard to understand, not even making a good argument book. Thanks for the comedic presentation of such good advice!

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  3. p.s. In case anyone gets nervous, we are not moving. Just buying a little investment property. Or trying to...sigh. It's been a wild week.

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  4. You have put me to shame! I don't know how you get it all done! But thanks for undrstanding that I can't.

    Anyway, I struggled with the water thing for a long time until I purchased a camelbak water bottle (not the backpack with a straw). I just sip it all day long and use it with my meals, and now I am always thirsty and It's not hard at all to drink a couple each day. I have had water bottles before, but it wasn't until the camelbak that it stuck. I'm a believer. I think because it doesn't fall apart, taste like aluminum or plastic, and the straw/mouth piece/lid is all one piece, so I don't have to take it apart and put it back together to wash it.. just throw it in the dish washer. My kids got them in their stockings for Christmas (great stocking stuffers because they take up so much room) and that's all they use. I never put juice boxes in their lunches.. I don't even buy juice boxes. I'm tellin' ya. There's something about the camelbak. You can get them at target, or a sports equipment store, or online.

    http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Eddy-Bottle-75L-Navy/dp/B005Z4K1EQ/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1332438165&sr=8-14

    Also, I think I've linked this before, but this is a very comprehensive little youtube video about water. My kids like her and I learned something. It's not the same as reading research, but it's faster and simpler, and to the point.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVB5q5v-dEg

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  5. I guess my links didn't work, so google camelbak water bottle at amazon, I like the plastic ones.

    Or Nutrition by Natalie the powers of water

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