Weekly Challenge: Water

The challenge this week, should you choose to accept it... is to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. If possible, the typical suggested amount of water to drink is roughly half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 190 lbs, then aim for 80 ounces of water a day. It's certainly not a hard and fast rule, but gives you a place to start.

If you currently only drink a glass or two of water a day, a more realistic goal this week would be to try to get in an additional glass or two into your day and build up from there. Especially if sweetened beverages are limiting your daily water intake, consider slowly replacing them with water. Your body and pocketbook will thank you!


It may not seem intuitive but we actually retain water when we're not drinking enough. So what you will often see is a few pounds of water weight lost when a person increases their water intake to an adequate amount. Water can also suppress the appetite a bit, which will contribute to weight loss.

Ok Bethany, but what are the other benefits? Oh water... Where do we start for all the benefits it offers? Here's just a few:

• Improved Immune System 
• Flushes toxins out of vital organs 
• Helps organs absorb more nutrients 
• Lubricates joints 
• Clearer & less dry skin 
• Reduces muscle cramps, migraines, constipation, & tiredness 

Overall, I'd suggest not forcing it but do your best to listen to your body. Some days you will need more water than others. If you don't like drinking water, find ways to make it more enjoyable to you. Try squeezing fresh lemon juice into it or consider drinking it chilled or slightly warm. I'd also suggest finding an awesome water bottle that is easy to carry around. This makes it much easier to tell how many ounces you actually drink in a day. For me, I have to have a water bottle that doesn't require the lid being screwed on and off, otherwise, my water intake during the day drops dramatically.

What tricks do you have to increase your daily water intake?