Drink Water

This is part 3 of a 5 part series that highlights alternate ways that you can measure your success in transitioning into a raw vegan diet. First we answered the question ‘Are you eating more fruits and vegetables?’. Second we answered the question ‘Do You exercise More?’. Today we will answer the question ‘ Do you drink more water?’.

Do You Drink More Water?

Let’s just say that for nearly half my life Pepsi cola was my water. I drank either soda or diet soda depending on which ‘diet’ I was on. Basically if I was on a diet I drank Diet soda if I wasn’t I drank the full sugar water version. I did not drink water at all. I even took medication with soda. I could drink a six pack of soda each day and believe me my teeth are evidence of this horrible habit.

Like developing a habit of exercise it was a slow but steady process. I started the weaning of soda last October 2010 and by December 2010 I was soda free. In fact I replaced that soda with water. It wasn’t easy at first.

My Relationship with Soda

I had a strange relationship with soda. I used it to calm me much like some people drink a beer after a long hard day at work. When my children were really difficult and I just couldn’t take their bickering any longer a nice cold soda and some chocolate would calm me enough to gather my nerves to carry on my responsibilities. 

My Relationship with Water

I can recall on numerous occasions trying to get the recommended 8 – 10 glasses of water a day and really struggling. I even bought one of those gigantic 64 o.z. jugs so that I would drink the water I needed for the day. All that ever got me was feeling nauseated and dizzy – plus I started to really hate water.

What Worked for Me

This last time I didn’t push the whole 8 – 10 glasses of water rule and just drank when my body asked. Pretty soon I could drink an entire 16 o.z. and now I am glad to say when given the option of soda, milk, juice, or water my first response is now water.

Is this a successful moment in my journey to a raw vegan life style? Yes, of course it is.

Lessons Learned

With this lesson in particular I have learned to listen to my body for when true thirst needs to be quenched. Next, I need to learn this same concept but with hunger-food.

Conclusion

I am no scientist so am unsure why the figure 8 – 10 glasses of water per day were decided upon. If I use nature as my guide and trust that my body knows what it needs I really don’t need to be tied to this rule. I am free to enjoy water when my body asks for it.

How do you quench your thirst? Is it an easy thing for you to drink water or is it a mindful habit that you need to work on?