It’s no secret that I drink my weight in tea. I should probably look into being the spokeswoman for a tea company, or invest in tea company stock or something. BUT, for as much liquid as I’m consuming, I know it should be less tea, more water. So I’ve decided to drink more water. A lot more water!
I am going to challenge myself to drink 1 gallon of water a day for the month of February.
I’ve heard that drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day will do all sorts of great things for me, so I’m in. Based on my limited research, here’s what I’m expecting from this whole experiment:
- Better skin
- Better sleep
- More energy
- Less headaches
- Reduced sugar cravings
- Shinier hair
- Shrinkage of Muffy the muffin top
I’m going to use my CamelBak water bottle for this and 6.4 bottles equals 1 gallon of water. So all you water drinkers, what do you think? Do you see some of those benefits? You think a gallon is going to be crazy hard? You think I’ll love it so much I stick with it?
Since I’m a tea junky, I’m going to use these 10 Easy Tips for Drinking More Water to help with my transition. I’m thinking it won’t be that bad because I’m already used to constantly drinking tea all day, I’m just shifting the beverage I’m consuming? Right?
If you don’t hear from me much in February, it’s probably because, with all this water consumption, I’ll be heading to the loo every 5 minutes and will have time for little else!
Wish me luck!
~Mavis
Cheri says
I think herbal tea counts as water consumption. You might be just fine with how much you’ve been drinking.
Pauline says
Hi Mavis! Once again, the retired nurse checking in with a word of caution to all who want to take on the challenge. There is a phenomenon known as “water intoxication,” which is just a fancy way of saying water “overdose.” Not that the water itself is a problem, but the rapid dilution of your blood by drinking a great deal of water when you are not accustomed to it can cause electrolyte imbalances, and it is entirely possible for these to be life-threatening. Electrolytes are the substances that, in very tiny quantities and in pretty small ranges, facilitiate all of the chemical and electrical processes that keep our bodies functioning 24/7. Ordinarily we take in reasonable quantities of these in a varied diet. Yes, our bodies are remarkably well-designed to be self-correcting and re-balancing, but this is not an instanteous process, it takes a bit of time. The idea of boosting fluid intake is a great thing for most of us, but I might suggest making it a day-to-day gradual change, not a sudden switch. Cheers!
jennifer says
I do agree with Pauline. I am a nurse also. Young children and older adults are most at risk of water intoxication, though. If you are obese you may need more water than a fit person would. Just proceed with caution and if you feel worse instead of better reduce your intake. I took care of an elderly woman once who had water intoxication and she appeared drunk. Also, consider your physical activity. Will you be sweating some of your extra intake out or will you be sedentary and storing it in your body? just things to think about.
Jennifer says
You might want to be careful. I was drinking 100 ounces of water a day, but my doctor and my dietitian made me stop after some blood work. I was unintentionally diluting the sodium levels in my blood too low. They both said 1/2 oz per pound of body weight is best unless it is really hot or I’m engaged in heavy workouts. Lots of people manage to drink a gallon a day with no ill effects, but you might want to follow up with your doctor to be sure it is the right choice for you.
Mavis Butterfield says
Well, considering that I already drink 100 ounces of tea a day, if not more and have for 10+ years, I’m thinking I’ll be fine. I’m just trying to switch out the water for tea as it will be better for me since I add sugar to my tea in the long run.
a says
I agree with Mavis. I easily drink a gallon a day (and spend the required time in the loo). A gal is not THAT much.
Deborah says
Mavis, try adding less sugar to your tea. Jus a little at a time.
Mavis Butterfield says
I’ve tried. It’s just not the same. 🙁
AlysonRR says
Stevia?
Tracy says
Not so fast! Tea (which I also l love) has caffeine, unless you’re only drinking herbals (which technically is not tea, but becomes a tisane….sorry). The caffeine causes a diuretic effect and can avoid the bloating and strain the nurses above describe. Unless you’re sweating or doing hard physical activity, a gallon is more than an average sized person needs. The objective is just to hydrate adequately, not flood!
Hannah F says
I highly recommend this book for more info on water (your library probably has it):
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Bodys-Many-Cries-Water/dp/1452656975
Also, make sure you’re still getting enough salt to offset the water consumption so your body can still absorb the fluid instead of passing it through your body so rapidly. It’s explained in the above book but here’s an article explaining it:
http://www.thankyourbody.com/drinking-too-much-water/
Good luck! This is a great goal to have. 🙂
Lynda says
A gallon is ambitious, unless you’re a big heavy sweater. My friend was plagued with fierce leg cramps for months, and a nurse finally discovered the problem: she was drinking too much water, trying to get healthy you know. She cut back, the cramps disappeared and she was healthy AND happy!
Jillbert says
Huh, funny you should mention this. I set out to drink a gallon/day last month. On my third day of doing this, I had the WORST leg cramp (hamstring along with some abdominal muscles) of my life while sitting in a movie theater. Seriously, I felt like passing out from the pain, limped out to the lobby, and was nauseous and light headed for an hour afterwards. I cut back on the water drinking immediately. So…..no problems since.
Laura says
Just completed some pt with a pelvic floor physical therapist (don’t ask!) and she advised me to drink less water as I was stressing my body out having it process so much water.
I think the general feedback is to proceed with caution. A gallon may be too much water but you know what to look for so you can adjust accordingly. Good luck!
Megan says
I like to use a Nalgene, or recently a quart Mason jar, because then I can more easily remember how many times I’ve filled! I usually am happy with 2 quarts for myself… and consider anything more bonus haha! I can never remember how many “glasses” I’ve had… I have been slacking off and need to get back at it!
Julie says
I’ll join you Mavis! I think this is a great challenge!
Marybeth says
2 years go I was having severe and constant headaches. After seeing a neurologist he put me on meds that required me to drink more water. Thankfully I love water so no problem. I like it really cold with lots of ice. I no longer am on the meds but I still drink lots of water. The constant pit stops are annoying when we go on long car rides but my husband is used to them now. I ease off the water after dinner so that I am not up all night. I can usually make it 6 hours at bed time. My skin is very good.
Tracy says
You know how people flavor thier water with a slice of fruit or cucumbers? I like a splash of tea. An ounce in 24oz of waterish. Might be too weak for you being an avid tea drinker.
Nicole says
I noticed the 7 hair ties around the bottle. I’m guessing that you remove one each time you empty the bottle. That’s a clever way to keep track and meet your goal.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes!
Rosaleen says
Right, watch that you don’t end up with hyponatremia, a fancy name for too little salt/electrolytes.
As to the running to the loo more, your TP usage may increase. Consider borrowing a page from some hikers and use some sort of “pee rag” instead. It can be anything from a bandana to a paper towel. Let it hang to dry between uses and wash daily, plus use it only for urine. I’ve been stashing one behind the shower curtain… I also find a quality half paper towel works really well, just be sure to blot, not wipe.
Carrie says
I’m an avid hiker and will drip dry on the trail (I wear merino wool undies so they dry fast and don’t smell!). I’ve never heard of a pee rag! That’s clever!
Karin says
That’s a great idea! Would be beneficial for those of us who have septic tanks to reduce the amount of TP also.
Deborah says
You can d ink infused water. Water with a lemon slice, lime slice, cucumbers, fruit, whatever you like. I’ve even put cantaloupe and honey dew melon in it. Bananas aren’t so good in water. You still get the water with a bit of flavor. Something else that is really good for your health is to drink 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey in an 8 ounce glass of water. I like the taste, but some don’t. Just don’t drink too much of it.
rvmk says
In addition to the potential electrolyte isuue, a too high fluid intake (for your body and circumstances) can overtax your kidneys. Just remember, your kidneys are a pump as well as a filter. Also, hydration needs are determined by your weight, air temperature, humidity level, and exertion level. There is no scientific evidence for the commonly quoted need for 8-10 glasses of water per day (as learned via a research project).
Linda Sand says
The often recommended 8 glasses of water per day originally included the water you get from food so if you are eating broth-based soups or melons you don’t need to drink as much.
Candice says
I believe I saw something on Dr. Oz about taking your weight, dividing in half and then using that number for the amount of water to try to drink each day. As an example I weigh 127 so half would be 63.5 so 2 quarts is what I aim for with my first glass within 1/2 hour of waking up..nice and cold. Of course, if you work out or the temps are soaring it would increase. Don’t float away Mavis, we all enjoy your blog too much to have anything happen to you.
Sharon says
I just started this challenge again on Sunday!! I typically drink at least a half a gallon, no problem. I’ve been dragging, starting to feel sick and yuk, and more tired. After just finishing up my 4th day back to the gallon, I feel so much better. My skin looks better, I have more energy, I’m just shocked by how I feel. if you’re already drinking so much tea, this should be a very realistic goal for you, Mavis! Good luck!
Katie P NC says
Mavis- I wanted to tell you it has inspired my New Years resolution this year: each month is a new dietary challenge. I figured a 30 day challenge (with the hopes my self imposed ban will carry over in the following months) is a good way to try and remove the “bad” things and change my eating habits. January I gave up potatoes and bacon (in hopes of lowering my insanely high cholesterol). February is no empty calorie drinks (which also removes quick pastries by default) and no cheese. I already drink about 60oz of water a day but have been stopping at the coffee shop a little too often to get sugar bomb coffee. One month I’m going to try no bread/pasta, try out going pescetarian and vegetarian, dairy free for a month! I would LOVE suggestions from your readers of things that might actually make a difference in my waistline. Thanks for inspiring the idea of short term goals, I think its a great way to challenge myself!!!! Good luck with your water challenge (sometimes I freeze macerated fruit into ice cubes and put that in my water bottle to flavor the water over time).
AlysonRR says
I recommended stevia above – Truvia is the brand I use. It’s a pretty good sugar substitute.
I totally agree with the recommendation for trying infused water. Our favorites are any kind of citrus, cucumber, or berries (can be frozen). Infuse for a few hours to overnight.