How Do You Get Your Daily Intake Of Water?

United States
July 24, 2011 10:35am CST
You're supposed to drink 8 - 10 glasses of water. Approximately 8 ounces each. But for me, that is so hard.I just...don't like water! It's not the greatest tasting! I'm trying to drink more of it though because I know I need to. For my skin and health and everything. I had 3 8 ounce servings of water today already and I'm quite proud.The glasses in my house are 16 ounces. How do you get your daily intake of water? Do you drink the recommended amount?
13 people like this
52 responses
@ElicBxn (63233)
• United States
24 Jul 11
as my doctor says, it really doesn't matter what form the fluid is in, yes, its better if it isn't sugary and caffeinated, but a soda is better than no fluid and even fruit can count as fluids so, add a flavor to that water and make it more enjoyable to drink!
2 people like this
• United States
24 Jul 11
I know what you mean. I really shouldn't be having all that sugar though. Because that's usually all I drink,even though I do like milk and tea,e tc. Thanks for the nice advice though! Better something than not at all!
2 people like this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
24 Jul 11
No I don't drink the recommended amount but really need to. I have a bike now to get around on and so you bet I'll be drinking more of it. I much rather have flavored water myself though as I find that tastes better, but that is just my own opinion. You could buy crystal light or kool aid flavorings, they even have propel flavorings for water you could try.
2 people like this
• United States
24 Jul 11
I know what you mean. I just don't think I should have all that sugar. I want to save it for when, I want a donut or something, you know? But I guess something is better than nothing, right?
1 person likes this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
24 Jul 11
You know, I wonder if liking water is inherited? Because my one daughter, she also hates just water and drinks green tea a lot, which is good, but it also has the sugar content. Yet, my boys and I, though if they had alternatives, especially soda, (which is why I refuse to keep soda here,) they can and do drink water and enjoy it. At first I thought some people didn't like water due to how they were raised, but my daughter makes that idea invalid.. Yet,another thought hit me just now, what about before all the alternative inventions? The first beverage people had were what, milk, water, and fruit juice? The milk and juice was something people only got if they worked at it by milking the cow or goat, or squeezing the fruit for juice. But if one was thirsty, and didn't have the energy to work for a drink, they would just go to a spring and drink water and I am sure they had to have enjoyed it.. So, what makes people today not like water? Something our bodies crave and need? Have you tried possibly drinking water that has been filtered? Maybe the additives in tap water is what you don't like. I filter my filter, but the best is the reverse osmosis which I can not afford, but a friend has one. I'll never forget the first time I tried her water and learned that water does have a taste and without all the additives in tap water, water is so refreshing and good.. Maybe you can look into a filter system..I only use the cheapest, the brita filter pitcher, but there are filters you can add to you water faucet that can filter out some impurities..Or, try the brita pitcher, it is the cheapest and if you find you like the water, you can invest in a better system.. I know that is a lot of info, but I hope it helps..
• United States
24 Jul 11
I like it cold too Stephanie, especially on these hot cold days, unfortunately you got to watch drinking it too cold when your body is so hot. I also notice that some say that as long as it has no sugar and calories in it, it doesn't matter what form of liquid you get..That is true, you won't get dehydrated drinking fruit juices and low calorie drinks. Problem is, too much fruit juice can lead to what fruit does to the body, loosens the bowels, you don't want that..As for the low calorie and energy drinks, I don't know how you feel about chemicals, but some of these drinks have worse things in it than our hard water. (Yes our water is really hard too, which is why when I drank water at my friend's house, I fell in love with filtering my water) Plus, I don't care what they say about artificial sweeteners, the only thing I'd drink with a different sweetener is stevia. Stevia is a little more expensive than sugar, but it is a heck of a lot better for your body than aspartame or other additives they add to drinks.. As for propel, my husband used to drink that, but they started adding aspartame and he told the company he will no longer purchase their product..I also have stopped using some products due to adding this chemical into my food, but that is me..I know some really like it because they can't eat sugar, but I am weary of something that is not natural...
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 11
Sorry Stephanie, a couple of ideas hit me..Try taking a lemon or lime wedge and squeezing it into your water. It give your water a slight taste that is refreshing. Another idea is one my husband had read about in a book about a couple men who were lost in the wilderness or something. They came upon a spring, and were very hot and thirsty. But before taking a drink, they found some mint growing nearby so they took some mint to chew on before taking a drink. The minty flavor made the water that much more refreshing..This is something I too occasionally as I have both spearmint and peppermint growing in my yard..
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 11
Such wonderful tips, my friend! I have hard water in my house, so of course you can taste all the minerals and such in there. I don't really mind it that much. I've tried bottled water and well and it just...isn't my thing. And I only drink it cold for some reason. When it's luke warm or room temperature, I just don't like it more! How strange is that? I wonder if it is hereditary. My sister likes water just fine though!
2 people like this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
24 Jul 11
I love water! I used to be a Coca-Cola junkie but that stopped years ago when I moved to the desert--it just doesn't quench my thirst, it makes me thirstier. Water was forced on me by my efforts to lose weight and I learned to enjoy it. A glass of water and ice is a real treat and I always have one at hand. Did you know it takes a gallon of water to erase the damage done by one can of pop (soda)? It's hell on your liver and kidneys and digestion. I'll occasionally have some pop but water is my drink of choice. Water isn't supposed to taste good, it's supposed to have no taste at all. Have you tried filtering it with a Brita or something? Lemon in it? There is something in our culture nowadays that demands that everything have taste, texture, or something else that satisfies our hedonistic cravings for stimulation. Getting back to simpler tastes is very liberating. So each time you drink water, tell yourself you're severing your ties of dependence and you're one step closer to freedom of choice. If you learn to love water you'll never be disappointed in what is available to drink.
2 people like this
@Amanda81587 (3042)
• United States
24 Jul 11
I normally never get to the daily intake but I do add the mixed flavoring like lemonade and fruit punch it is only 5 calories and it makes water taste like juice and quenches your thrust try them they come in singles just for water bottles!
• United States
24 Jul 11
If you keep at them then you can definitly reach your daily amount. Just always keep a water bottle on hand and a singles! There is water available everywhere
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 11
But make sure there's a bathroom!
2 people like this
• United States
24 Jul 11
Good idea! I have tried them before! I think I had a green tea one and some koolaid ones!
2 people like this
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
Yes,not because it is recommended but I am a big drinker of water. I seldom drink softdrink and I don't buy soda either for my kids...that's one drink that is a NO NO in our house,so we always have water only for drinking. I also have this habit of bringing water when i go out,ready whenever i get thirsty.
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39142)
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
There is no problem with bathroom anyway. We have lots of malls everywhere to drop just in case
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 11
Have fun!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 11
That's a good habit to bring water with you whenever you go out. Just make sure there's a bathroom there! I didn't have soda much when I was younger either. It's a good routine to keep. They get used to the sugar.
2 people like this
@smacksman (6053)
24 Jul 11
There has been a recent study that has proved that drinking so much water does not do you any good unless you are energetic and loose a lot of water from sweat. Then your body will tell you that you are thirsty and you will drink as much as you require. It is good to drink some water each day but just listen to your body to tell you how much.
1 person likes this
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
24 Jul 11
This is a great discussion for me today, because I am making a renewed effort to get my 8 glasses of water a day. I usually drink flavored water of some type like propel or crystal light. I hate the taste of plain water and the water where I live has too much Chlorine in it. Good luck with your goal!
1 person likes this
24 Jul 11
Yes you are supposed to but I always forget
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Jul 11
hi stephanieAnnc yes I really do as do most diabetics as if we drink plenty of water to keep hydrated it also helps us to control our blood glucose so much better.l I have a red cup right not half full as I have sipped half the water in it. it holds 16 ounces. I drink that one between breakfast and lunch and again once between lunch and dinner then once at bedtime plus what beverages I have at each meal.I get about 12 to 14 glasses of water each day and thats just fine with me and my doctor.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Jul 11
somehow part of a sentence got chopped off should be I have a red cup right now on my desk not half full etc... I don't know why that happened.
• Philippines
24 Jul 11
I rarely drink water these days. I guess it's because my body requires more energy that's why I drink more soda than water. Although thanks for reminding me because I really do think we should drink water too to revitalize our system.
1 person likes this
@TeamCholent (2832)
• United States
24 Jul 11
I am slightly below the daily intake of water and that is due to my laziness. I work in an office with a cooler of water so I fill u often but it comes days when I don't drink enough. In the summer it is super important to ensure we are drinking enough water, no doubt about it. Have a great MyLotting day!
1 person likes this
@akp100 (13640)
• India
24 Jul 11
Hi I have never counted amount. But I am not regular on it. I mean some days I don't drink much water, But some days I gets crazy on it. I drink so many glass of water in few hours. And I don't drink more because of health purpose but sometimes my I cannot stop my self.
1 person likes this
• Bangladesh
24 Jul 11
I drink more than that amount. I am marine engineer. In engine room, temp is about 40 C. So, I used to drink water more than 5 liters a day. I do not like to drink soft drinks, its better to drink water.If I am not in engine room,but it becomes my habit to drink water regularly.
• United States
24 Jul 11
Ah I see. Good for you! Keep on drinking water!
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
26 Jul 11
I have a 32 oz cold drink mug they gave me while I was in the hospital. I try to keep ice in that and sip on it throughout the day. I used to do better at filling it twice a day, but lately, I just don't finish it like I used to. I do sometimes drink gatorade or other liquids, but not the full recommended amount most of the time. I definitely find it easier to drink if it is cold rather than room temperature.
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
24 Jul 11
I don't like the taste of water either. What I do is squeeze a lemon into the water with ice and its just delicious. Its so thirst quenchy. I try to drink at least 3 glasses of 10 0zs a day and sometimes 4 glasses. I also think I found the secret to losing weight this way. I felt like I was gaining a pouch around my tummy. For me I usually weigh between 120 and 125 but I started to see 128 on the scale and was getting quite upset. However, after drinking this now for over a month I'm back to 120 lbs and I'm so happy. My daughter also said she has been drinking it and it has stopped her acid reflux problem.
1 person likes this
@singuri (571)
• India
27 Jul 11
I also don't like to drink water more,I use to drink only 4 glasses a day with lots of uneasy. But as far as we study we come to know how important to drink more water for our healthy life.So i thought of drinking water in another tasty interesting form that is nothing but juices, buttermilk,coconut, . so some how i am taking more water into my body, so you people also try it.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
28 Jul 11
No, I am not a big fan of water too. I drink Diet Coke for almost everything, including breakfast. And before going to bed. So, I also struggle with the 8-10 glasses requirement. Unless of course you count the water that's in the Diet Coke. But like you say, for health reasons, I've also been trying to drink a lot of the not-so-great-tasting stuff. Not to the requirement yet, but half a cup after every meals.
@garson (884)
• United States
5 Aug 11
Stephanie, I have seen this kind of discussion before about following recommended daily water intake. You should have jumped into any existing thread about your topic. Anyway, the recommendation of 8-10 glasses of water has become a myth for many people. It's not wrong, but depends on different individuals. For example: In one day, you stay at home. You sit down and watch TV. You turn on your computer and surf the internet. You just relax and don't do anything heavy. Now compare it to someone that has lots of things going on in day. You are at home, but this time you do some chores. You clean up your garage. Then you clean up your room, which involves rearranging your clothes, your drawers, etc. Then, you clean up or straighten up your living room. You also have the mood to do some yard work, which include planting, weeding, and watering. See the difference - if you are like the person doing multiple chores, I bet you would need to drink some water after some few hours. Doing things no matter how routine or complex will take some energy from you. It depends on how much energy or how much physical activity you do that will lead you to need some water. Most likely, people will drink during eating or after eating. More likely, after spending few hours in the heat, you will get thirsty. There are also other situations or activities, where you need to drink water frequently: during speech, during singing performance, and any activity where you use your voice more often. Some people have certain health conditions that need some amount of water to keep them healthy. I don't drink 8-10 glasses of water because I don't feel the need to. Drink when you definitely feel thirsty and when you have the convenience and access to water. You don't need to feel bad, guilty, or feel pressured to follow that daily recommendation. You mention that you don't like water. Do you drink from tap, have it boiled, or what?
• United States
24 Jul 11
Hi Steph Never in my life did I drink water as I could not stand it. Since I started a healthy life change 3 years ago, I began to force myself to drink water. Everyone would laugh at me because an 8 oz would sit at my desk all day and all I would take was a sip or two. I use to gag just thinking about it. Since my healthy life change I can tell you I drink almost a gallon each day. I stopped all sugared juices and colas too. I can definitely say that my skin is much healthier since. Hope you continue drinking even a little daily as some is better then none.
1 person likes this