A drink for all seasons

I realized a few weeks ago that I had stopped drinking water. Not good, especially when you consider the benefits of water, according to WebMD:

1. Our bodies are about 60 percent water -- which aids in digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. By drinking water, we keep that percentage up.
2. Water helps control calories by making us feel fuller.
3. Without water, cells don't  maintain their balance of fluids, electrolytes shrivel, and that results in muscle fatigue.
4. Our skin needs water to keep looking good.
5. Water helps our kidneys cleanse and rid the body of toxins.
6. Adequate hydration prevents constipation.


Determined to drink more, I picked up a Poland Springs 101.4-ounce container. I loved the shape, and figured if I filled it up each morning with water, and kept filling my water bottle from it, I would be able to keep track of my daily intake.

The first few days were hard. I would fill up the big container in the morning, but around 6 p.m. realized that most of the water still remained. Because I was determined to drink this water, I would. Believe me, the last thing any of us need is to drink 80 ounces of water before bedtime. Let's just say, I was up a lot during the night.

So this is how I now get in my water:
1. As I am making my breakfast in the morning, I fill up a 16-ounce glass with water. I drink the whole glass with my morning vitamins. Instead of taking a few vitamins at a time, I take them one at a time, with two gulps of water.
2. Before lunch and dinner, I drink a big glass of water.
3. I fill up a 32-ounce bottle with water and sip it throughout the morning. I do the same in the afternoon.
4. I stop drinking water before dinner. And my sleep is undisturbed each night.

Yesterday, I did not drink the whole 101.4 ounces. And after dinner I was craving things I haven't thought about in a few weeks. When I woke up this morning I started to think about why yesterday was so hard, and the only thing I did differently was not drink my water.

'Nuff said.