Getting Healthy | The 30 Day Water Challenge

It is always a little awkward when I go out to dinner with friends.  Most of my gal pals are healthy eaters, which is great because I love food like sushi or a good Caesar salad.  However, whenever we order drinks, the conversation goes a little like this."

"What will you have to drink, ma'am?"

"Oh, I will take an ice water with lemon, please."

"Alright, and you?"

"Oh, water too, please."

"Water."

"Water."

"Water."

"Diet Coke."

Guess who that is.

I can't help the fact that I really do love the taste of Diet Coke.  My friends are constantly telling me how bad it is for my system.  I don't deny that the stuff is battery acid.  I know the negative effects of diet sodas have been studied and documented.  However, that doesn't stop me from going to the soda machine and putting a dollar in for 20 ounces of cold liquid goodness (with no calories - which makes me feel better about myself).

It's not my fault that it tastes so good...though it
probably is my fault for buying 64 ounces of the stuff....

I'm definitely wanting to change that mindset when it comes to caffeinated beverages.  My caffeine dependency only increased during my Junior year of high school - it got so bad that I would need a Diet Coke or two almost every day to function. My Senior year is coming up, and I would rather switch over to coffee (something I have not acquired a taste for yet) to be able to get the caffeine I need when there is a long day of work ahead.  As well as get more sleep and eat better (baby steps).

So here is the thirty day challenge:  I will strive to drink at least two bottles of water every day.  I will drink a bottle when I get a craving for caffeine, and I will drink the other before I have dinner.  I plan to try and slowly wean myself off of caffeine (specifically Diet Coke) within the next thirty days while avoiding the headaches and such.  There are so many benefits to increasing your water intake, such as:

1.  Healthier skin.

2.  Overall you will weigh less.

3.  It will give you more energy since it will stop dehydration (soda won't).

4.  It helps maintain a healthier heart.

5.  You can't get cancer from water (depending on where you get it from).

6.  It naturally cleanses your body.

7.  It can put you in a better mood (water intake boosts endorphin levels - who knew?).

8.  It supports your immune system.

9.  It certainly saves you money, given that water is free.

10.  It also increases cognitive function (layman's terms - it makes you smarter).

What is your water routine?

-xx, Beccy