Water, Water Everywhere: ____ ____ Drop to Drink

How do you fill in the blanks?
Water, Water Everywhere –    ____    ____  Drop to Drink

1. Not A
2. But Which
3. How Many

I don’t like to speak in absolutes and extremes, but I can say for sure that there is a topic that has come up with 100% of my clients over the past 4-6 weeks.  Hydration.  Specifically water- how much and what type.
If you’re reading this, you are likely asking yourself at least one of the following:

1. There are types of water?
2. Which water should I drink?
3. How much should I drink?

When did our choice of ‘water’ come with so many more options than bottled or tap? 

To (over) simplify it, innovative people knew healthcare professionals were promoting hydration via low to no calorie options and consumers demanded options that tasted good.  This was also occurring around the same time that a variety of alternatively sweetened beverages were hitting the market and consumers were hearing messages to decrease the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages in our diets. Pair an innovative person and a business-person (perhaps the same person) and we started to see a shift in what was being sold at the stores. 

• What most people heard? 
  • Drink more water. 
• What happened?
  • People who had been buying sugar-sweetened drinks switched and people who were bored with regular water started looking for alternatives.
  • Demand increased, so supply followed and here we are today: standing in front of a grocery-store aisle full of choices for water.

created at wordle.net

• Which water is right for you and how much should you drink?
  • The strategy for meeting your individual recommendations will be based on your perceived barrier in addition to your daily needs. 
  • An average healthy adult will want to drink (in ounces) at least half of your body weight (in pounds) each day.  Example – if you are 150 pounds, drink at least 75 ounces. 
  • Your daily total will very based on your activity level, your overall diet, the weather and more so contact a registered dietitian nutritionist for a more specific recommendation and strategy to achieve your goal.
• Why aren’t my clients meeting the recommended goals?
  
  • It depends on the person but here are common reasons  (and my responses):

​Client Statement:
I don’t like the taste, water is so boring. 


​
I don’t want to have to run to the bathroom all day.


​
I’m so confused by the options.



Bottled water is so expensive.



​
I forget about it (either to fill a bottle, to take a filled bottle or simply to drink a glass of water).
 

My Response:
Did you know that according to Merriam Webster’s definition of water, it is technically supposed to be ‘tasteless’?
 
True, which means your systems are working properly and you get more steps in your day.  Staying sedentary too long isn’t good for us!

​
I was too, but when you think about your goals you will be able to sort through the options best suited for you.

Let’s make sure you aren’t looking at fancy—fruity-flavored wannabe waters first, and also, can you purchase and use a re-fillable water bottle? 

Can you hook your keys onto your bottle or put a reminder on your calendar or phone?  Think about how you remember other daily essentials and include water in that planning.

The bottom line – to stay adequately hydrated the recommendation is to drink calorie and caffeine free beverages while consuming foods with high water content (i.e. fruits). 

Can you spot my tiny water thief in the house?