Your mother may have told you to drink 8 glasses of water a day.  Then it changed to 6 glasses and caffeinated beverages didn't count (nor did alcoholic drinks).  And now the Institute of Medicine has determined that the combination of thirst and usual drinking behavior, especially the consumption of fluids with meals, is sufficient to maintain normal hydration. However, because water needs vary considerably and because there is no evidence of chronic dehydration in the general population, a minimum intake of water cannot be set. (Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010).  PS -- alcoholic beverages still don't count. 

 

 Here's what I know:

• I like to have something to drink when I'm working at the computer.   
• Drinking more water is better for me.
• Drinking less bottled beverages (soda, diet soda, energy drinks, vitamin water, etc) is better for me regardless of the calorie count.
• If I forget to drink my water throughout the day, I drink lots of water late at night because I'm thirsty and then I have to get up during the night.

So here's what I'm doing this week: 

•  I have a pitcher of water set out to remind me to drink throughout the day. 
• Since my lemons are in season, I grab one off the tree and squeeze half into the pitcher of water and use the other as a slice in my glass.  You can use any fruit including oranges, limes and frozen berries.
• I drink from a nice glass.  Actually it's something I used to use for margaritas and it has a great feel and look to it.
• If I'm away from my office, then I take a water bottle to go. 

The lemon and the glass make drinking my water more pleasant and enjoyable, and therefore I am more likely to reach for my water instead of drinking my calories or even snacking.