How Much Water Should I Drink a Day?

Many people wonder “How Much Water Should I drink a day?”. In fact over 85 million Google-ettes or Googlers are pondering this question. Let’s get some answers! What I’ve found over the past few decades (and it has changed my life for the better) is that it’s not just about how much, it’s also about when and from where so here are some Q & A’s to get and keep you hydrated and work with your body instead of against it.

Drink Up!

Question: How much water should I drink a day?

Answer: 8-10 12oz glasses is a good guideline. If you are working out, in the hot sun, under substantial stress, ill, smoke or drink, it would behoove you to increase your intake by about 4-6 glasses.

Question: When should I drink water?

Answer: 3 things to keep in mind here:

Try to drink the water in between meals on an empty stomach – approximately 1 hour after meal and 1 hour before your next meal. Consuming the whole kit and caboodle (sp?) in one fell swoop would be akin to eating just one big-ass meal a day – uh, not recommended.
Start your day right (as soon as you wake up) with 1, preferably 2 full glasses of water at room temperature. That means skipping the ice. You are warming up your body and hydrating it for the day. It will also help if you are heading out for an early morning cardio workout before your first meal.
Try to stay away from drinking water with your meals. Let your digestive system break down the food and burn calories in the process. You can actually feel this happening which is pretty darn cool.

Question: Is tap water ok to drink?

Answer: Generally speaking, yes. I have found that tap water is perfectly fine (and often preferable to bottled water). Of course, as with anything, always consider the source. If you live in a highly polluted/toxic area, you’re at risk. If you have any concerns, get a report from your local company, use a filter on your faucet, sign up for a water service, and/or keep a filtered pitcher in your fridge.

Question: What’s your take on bottled water?

Answer: I have to say, I think the market was created for convenience and a huge cash cow for its producers feeding off the trendy and ignorant consumer and as such is often a waste of money. Evian spelled backwards? However, that said, I step to their defense in noting that it did serve to create a new awareness of the benefits of drinking water and nudged people into adopting some new healthy habits. Also, you are most likely aware of the reports highlighting the concerns and dangers of drinking water from a plastic bottle or container that has been sitting in the sun or stagnant for long periods of time. This scared the heck out of me and I don’t even buy bottled water and carry my own. However, it is something to keep in mind and so I recommend going for fresh water whenever possible.

Question: If I drink ice tea or flavored water, is that the same as drinking plain water?

Answer: I’m certain there are many opinions (and reputable empirical studies) on this matter but I feel comfortable saying, no, it’s not the same thing. I’ve tried to rationalize this many times myself and with many experiments but I find that sticking to plain water generates the best results. Besides, it’s less of a hassle and much less expensive! A fresh lemon, lime, or tiny bit of fruit to add a bit of flavor is ok. Adding a lot of sugars is not.

Question: I heard that I’ll burn more calories if I drink ice water? Is that true?

Answer: You know I thought this too and really wanted to believe it! Well, I looked it up again and it turns out that yes, indeed you will burn more calories drinking ice water – about a whopping 8!! If you truly prefer ice water, that’s fine. Go nuts but keep in mind that if you drink it before the ice has melted, you’re really only getting in a little over half a glass of water so bring on another one or two to compensate.

Question: Should I drink water before I go to bed?

Answer: Not only do I recommend limiting (or eliminating) your carbs after 6p (if you go to bed at around 9-10) but also limiting (or eliminating) liquids. If it causes you to wake up in the middle of the night to hit the bathroom, I’d say let it go. Your body and rested spirit will thank you in the morning and welcome those 2 glasses of water with joy!

So there you have it - Drink it up and drink it in!