I've never been a big water drinker. But ever since I began changing my fitness and nutrition lifestyle, I have become convinced that drinking water is essential- I literally stop losing weight and feel like crap when I don't get enough water. I eat more, and don't feel like exercising at all when that happens. I found a solution. Read on, then tell me what you think, and add to it if you will- I have found that a heck of a lot of people have this problem.
The problem was, I simply could not remember to drink it. I'd totally forget for almost the whole day, and then try to cram in as much as possible that night. Well, that's just useless. I am at my best when I drink at least 8-12 spread out over the day, for real. Sometimes, I'd even forget for a couple days, or start out the day drinking it, get distracted, and forget the rest of the day. It seemed like, no matter what I did, I could not remain consistent, which is of course key.
Now, how can I remember to drink 6 cups of coffee and diet coke over the day, but not water!?
I tried keeping a bottle of water in the fridge just for me, of the amount for the day, but there it would sit. I tried marking each cup down, but that didn't help my memory a bit. I tried getting my hubby to remind me, but he's worse than me. Arrgh!
Well a few days ago, I finally found a solution that works for me: Like most folks, my fridge is covered with my kid's drawings, coupons, etc. I took all those down, leaving the fridge door devoid of everything. Then, I made myself a poster. It says, it big, bright red letters, "ATTENTION CHUBBY: DRINK YOUR WATER." Below this are 12 circles beside each day of the week, for simply checking off each glass of water. This is hung right beside the handle, at eye level, with a pencil attached. Everytime I go in the kitchen, BAM! There it is. I can't begin to tell you how well this has worked for me. I haven't missed a glass in several days.
I am going to get one of those dry-erase boards to make a more attractive water-reminder for the fridge. Maybe hang some "fat" pics of myself on it. Here's the thing: I have always hated the word "chubby". Of all the euphemisms for fat in all the world, I hate it most. I can handle being called chunky, lard-butt, fat, etc, but not "chubby". The word simply grates my nerves. So it gets my attention every time. If I notice myself forgetting it, I'll change colors and words.
If anyone else tries this silly idea of mine, I would suggest using, in eye catching colors, any word that ALWAYS draws your eye. How bout' "SEX"? hahahaha!
Now, I'll be doing good if I can remember to get the darn thing off the fridge when company comes over. Everyone else in the house has had a good time teasing me about it- but hey, it works for me. But I gotta figure out a way to jog my memory about water when I'm not at my house. Maybe there's some little device out there that will beep annoyingly every couple hours or so and flash a programmed message on a little screen "attention chubby: drink your water."
Regards,
FerretNose
Water- drastic measures.
