|
SparkPeople emphasizes drinking water for a variety of reasons: it can take the place of other high-calorie or high-sugar beverages, it helps you feel fuller, it is a good small goal to work toward, and more. So do the SparkPeople Experts really practice what they preach? Do they drink a lot of water? What other beverages do they typically consume? Chris Downie, Motivation Expert and SparkPeople Founder "Yes, it really does work for me. I especially make sure to drink after workouts and stretching. I also have green tea and some coffee, but not too much." Becky Hand, Registered and Licensed Dietitian "I drink about 5-6 cups of water daily, along with 1-2 cups of lowfat milk or hot chocolate, ½ cup orange juice, 2 cups of regular coffee and 1-2 cups decaf coffee (usually black), 1 regular can of pop about 2 times a month, and 1 glass of wine about 2 times a month." Nancy Howard , Certified Running Coach and Community Moderator "I do now. But up until a year ago, I would drink more Diet Coke than I would water, with the exception of my long, slow distance run days—and then it was water and Accelerade all the way." Tanya Jolliffe, Healthy Eating Expert and Community Moderator "Since coming to SparkPeople and having the goal of getting 8 cups of water in addition to other fluids, it has become part of my daily routine and I can tell when I am behind on my intake. I enjoy a small glass of 100% juice for breakfast as well as my coffee to get my day started as well as several cups of milk for lunch, dinner and bed time snack." Jen Mueller, Fitness Coach and Community Leader "Before starting my job at SparkPeople, I probably drank one glass of water and one glass of juice or milk each day- and that was even when I was training for long-distance runs. Since then, I drink at least eight glasses of water each day, a few glasses of milk and one glass of orange juice. I noticed a big improvement in how I feel and how I look since I started drinking more." Nicole Nichols, Certified Personal Trainer and Editor "It may sound boring or even impossible, but water is the only beverage I ever drink. I do not like coffee, tea, flavored waters, soda, juice, milk or even alcohol, so I am always drinking water throughout the day. I keep a glass on my desk that holds two servings and I end up drinking 7-8 cups (4 glasses) each day by the time I get to bed. I try to only drink when I'm feeling thirsty as opposed to forcing it down all the time, but I really do love water. The only time I don't drink water is when I have a cold or sore throat. For some reason, it is the last thing I want when I'm feeling sick. At those times, I will drink caloric beverages like vitamin water or watered down juice to meet my fluid needs. Other than that, it's all water all the time for me." Denise Tausig, Community Moderator "Yes! I drink water throughout the day. I actually take a water bottle with me everywhere I go. I know that I have to fill it up twice a day, so I always know where I am at with my water intake. Other beverages that I drink include: orange juice, milk, chocolate almond milk, and decaffeinated tea." Are you trying to drink more water but struggle to get enough? Check out these 12 Tips to Drink 8 Cups a Day for more ideas! |
