Start Small.

This may seem silly, but the truth is that if we could all just “drink more water,” we would, right? And we’d reap the benefits: better looking skin, better memory, better digestion. The reality is that we’re a nation of self-gratifyers. We want something that tastes good right now. We crave sweet foods and drinks. Instead of setting yourself up for failure by trying to drink 64 oz of water a day, the recommended daily limit, start with something more doable – 6oz or 8oz. After all, some water is better than none at all.

Replace One Drink Per Day with Water

Although most people won’t commit to drinking a glass of water instead of their morning coffee, most can commit to replacing one soda or glass of OJ per day with water. This one change in your day could be the difference in having 8oz of water or none at all.

Make a Trip to the Water Cooler BEFORE Starting Your Day

If you’re like me and work in an office, you’re probably sitting at your desk all day. That’s why I recommend that you make sure to fill your water cup BEFORE sitting down. Once you’re seated (if you’re at all productive), you probably won’t be getting up for a while. Filling your cup before you start in on your email or task list is helpful because you’ll have your water on hand throughout the morning.

Drink Until You Can Drink No More

A good friend of mine taught me this trick once: when you start drinking water, don’t just take a sip–drink until you have to stop. In other words, continue drinking until you physically feel like you don’t want anymore. This will ensure that you’re not a “drive-by” water drinker, just taking small sips throughout the day. Rather, you’re a chugger. Don’t worry – chugging is a good thing. Before you know it, you’ll have downed at least 16 oz of water.

Get a Large Cup

Once you’ve been able to commit to 6 – 8 oz of water per day, go ahead and get a large cup for your water. Now, I’m not talking about those ginormous cups that hold 64oz of water?they’re daunting and will likely make you feel like a failure when there’s still water in the cup at day’s end. Instead, try a water cup that is 16 – 22 oz. This way,  you’ll feel good when you get through one cup and even better when you get through two.

And the winner, with number 247 is….KAMEKA! Way to go girl! You win a new Kleen Kanteen Water Bottle – complete with coozy! Just send me a message through Facebook with your contact information and I’ll get it out to you!

But WAIT…there’s more!

We actually had TWO Klean Kanteen Water Bottles to give away (see – this is why you should ALWAYS participate! you could get something for FREE!)! And the winner of the second bottle, with a number of 557 is…STACEY! Way to go! Same thing as above–just send me your address via Facebook and I’ll send you your prize!

Congratulations and thanks for doing the water challenge with me! I really think that 16oz per day is doable and that I can add this to my daily routine.

Next Week’s Challenge is SLEEP. The goal – for ONE WEEK is to get 8-9 hours of sleep per night. This week, though, I’ll have some action steps to help get you there.

Don’t forget to join our Facebook group to log your progress! Good luck!