What are everyones thoughts on drinking the allotted amount of water each day? I really struggle, it seems to bloat me out plus I am constantly peeing and I am damn sure my weight increases due to it. Is it really necessary?

I struggled to meet the required daily amount when I lived in England (and I drank a lot more alcohol). I thought I was alright and didn't need it.

However one of the big differences I've noticed between France and England, is the water consumption. Whenever you go into a restaurant, you get tap water put on the table straight away. My canteen at work has big jugs of water on the table. There are water fountains everywhere. If you're in a bar, you quite often ask for your glass of wine and a glass of tap water.

My skin, my hair, my general wellbeing seems to have improved in the two years since I moved here. I think getting the right amount of water has contributed to that. (and the water tastes lovely here, as I'm in the mountains).

When I'm in the UK I try and make sure I drink a pint of water in the morning before I leave the house.

Thanks Liv... maybe in time my body will get used to it. I am currently drinking up to 6 glasses a day but I have to force myself. I am not too good at consuming drinks... I can seem to go hours without anything apart from alcohol I suppose like anything it will become a habit and also I am sure by the Summer months it will be easier

Hi Cass
You are absolutely right that in time (and not very long - a week or 10 days) your body will cope naturally with increased water. (ie, visits settle down). However you can over hydrate and wash some of the essential salts out of your body

But as you say you generally find it hard to drink anything. I doubt that will be an issue.

Squash, soda drinks, tea/coffee ALL contribute to your required fluid intake (1.2 ltrs per day + (if very active or in hot place) so actually you may be getting plenty (or even more than plenty) with 6 glasses depending on the size.

Bloating and weight gain. Water will not make you gain weight other than temprarily. Ever weighed yourself before and after your 1st 'visit' of the day.....

If you drink still tap water (depends on where you are in country if it tastes ok. I'm in NE Scotland and it is not fluoridated and lovely) you should not get bloated. The fizzy stuff makes you very bloated.

Two tips to help get water down.

1. Add a generous squeeze/slice lemon or lime.
2. Bribe yourself. I use 'delayed gratification' to ensure I get enough. AFter brekkie I take a re filled (from tap) 500 ml bottle to my desk/car etc) I do not have my 2nd cup of coffee UNTIL I have drunk that. Same befoe lunch and then in the afternoon. I ad dother ddrinlks too adn have a large glass of water with my dinner regardless of any other drinks.

I don't know if any of this helps, but in general a large percentage of the population is under hydrated much of the time. If you are thirsty you are already dehydrated. And thirst can be mistaken for huynger so we eat when we really should just drink.

Also, a simple test is to take a look at your 'output'. If it is darker than pale straw, you are dehydrated.

Carol

Thank you Carol. You have some sound advice there so I shall persevere. I know it will become a habit in time like everything. I always avoid any fizzy drinks of any nature as it upsets my stomach plus I know it is not good for you. I am also trying to drink water half an hour or so before my meals as I know you can get confused regarding whether you are thirsty or hungry. I have just felt so hefty lately trying to cram it all down me

Drinking water is actually more important than I imagined.

I think it might have been in The Times, but I read that if you don't drink enough then your kidneys cannot operate efficiently which means the liver has to help out - and the liver just turns everything to fat!

In terms of flavouring it - all these 'no added sugar' squashes like Robinsons for example are just 8 calories a glass which is very low. The only thing is you know you're drinking dubious chemical sweeteners like aspartame.

What I do is add a dash of orange juice to it just for flavour because let's face it - the only time water tastes really good is when you're hungover!

I take a water bottle to work and have got into the habit of having a sip regularly.
I now get through about 2 litres during my working day (0715 - 1700 hours).

I have also found that if I have a good drink before lunch it takes the edge off my appetite and I don't eat so much.

I try and do the same before my evening meal.