HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? - Whether you think you are getting enough water or not, the only way to be sure is to measure how much you actually consume. Low to moderately active people need 80 ounces of water per day (around five 16.9 ounce bottles.) Active people should try to drink 90 to 120 ounces a day (for all my international friends out there, 3 to 4 liters daily is a perfect amount.) If this seems like a lot, it’s likely you’re not getting enough.

WHAT ABOUT SODA AND COFFEE? – This is where I like to bring in The Four C's Rule – that is, when you drink something that contains either caffeine, carbonation, color or calories, you should follow that drink with a full 16 oz bottle of water. If you choose a drink that contains one or more of The Four C's, you need to add another 8 ounces of water to your day. This is because all these elements tend to dehydrate. In combination, the effects are doubled or tripled. The more C's you consume (diet cola has three of the four) the more water your body needs to counteract the effects.

IS WINE REALLY FINE ANYTIME? - Alcohol is a triple threat. First, it is high in calories and usually devoid of nutrients. Okay... an occasional glass of red wine is said to be beneficial, but hang with me here. Second, it lowers your metabolism. Third, if you eat and drink, alcohol all but guarantees that you will consume 30% more calories from food. Sure, one cocktail on occasion is fine… BUT, if you are trying to get the scale to move in the right direction, any alcohol, even in moderation, can bring things to a screeching halt.

If you find you need to step up your water intake, make sure not to try and do it all at once. A great way to start getting more water is to have a full 16 oz bottle by your bedside and vow that each morning you will finish it before you hit the shower.

Also, don't try eliminating caffeine cold turkey or you may end up with flu-like symptoms for a few days - not fun. Taper off gradually, exchanging one caffeinated drink for a bottle of water until you're consuming the correct amount of each. Your kidneys will also need time to adjust to the extra water, so don't be too alarmed by the number of bathroom breaks you'll be making those first few days. Soon it will all be... water under the bridge.

Dianne Orwig is a international fitness expert, success coach, motivational speaker, and founder of LivingFit Online™, a fitness program that has helped thousands of men and women completely transform their bodies and live healthier, happier lives though her less-works-better approach.
 
For more information on how you can get better results in less time and with less effort than you ever thought possible, visit http://www.lovelivingfit.com. You can also catch Dianne’s show, Love Living Fit on Blog Talk Radio, every Sunday at 8pm ET by visiting www.blogtalkradio.com/love_livingfit.
 
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