It would be hard to overstate the importance of drinking enough water. It is critical to your overall health. Take the 30 day water challenge and see if you notice a difference. From the materials tab above, download the water tracker, print it, keep it on your desk or somewhere nearby and mark your daily progress with a pen or marker. If you work outside or are on the move all day you can also mark your water bottle with a dry erase pen or chalk.
One gallon. 8 cups. It sounds like a lot, but considering that your body is made up of 60 percent water, it sort of makes sense that you’d need about that much to keep things running smoothly. Here, seven things that might happen if you drank enough water every day.
1. You might feel bloated…initially
If you’re suddenly increasing your water intake, you may feel uncomfortably full (especially around the midsection) to start. Don’t worry: This will subside soon, but in the meantime, sip your water slowly and steadily throughout the day instead of all at once to minimize the discomfort.
2. You will have to pee all the time
Once that de-bloating kicks into gear, you’ll be flushing out the excess sodium your body is holding onto. You’ll also be doing that other bathroom business regularly, now that your body is breaking down its food more easily. (Hello, flat tummy!) And the last bonus? Those frequent bathroom breaks ensure that you’re moving around more throughout the day.
3. You might eat less
There’s a reason why nutritionists suggest chugging a glass of water before meals. It makes you feel fuller, which keeps you from consuming too many superfluous calories.
4. You’ll have better workouts
Water helps to transport oxygen and glucose through your body, so you’ll have more energy during your workout. Plus, it acts as a lubricant for your joints and muscles. Make sure to drink frequently two hours before your workout, every 20 minutes during and directly afterward to keep your body properly hydrated.
5. You might lose weight
Think about it: You’re peeing away the extra bloat, you’re eliminating waste regularly, you’re eating less and you’re working out more efficiently. While drinking more water in itself won’t make you lose weight, the positive side effects just might.
6. Your under-eye circles might (finally) go away
Under-eye bags are commonly caused by the retention of water to that delicate area. Whether it’s from eating a salty meal or a late night sob-fest, sodium is prone to pooling. Drinking more water will help flush out the excess salt from your system, which will tamp down any puffiness–even there.
7. You’ll crave more water
The more you drink it, the more you’ll want it–and the less you’ll crave other not-as-great-for-you beverages. Luckily, the stuff is free, pure and as evidenced above, the absolute best for you. Here’s how to drink more water.
Print this PDF water tracker and leave it nearby all day.
