This picture sums me up well. I drink lots of water. Close to 6 liters a day. Yes that’s 1.5 US gallons of water daily.

I often get the remark that I drink too much. That it’s not healthy. “Don’t you have to pee all the time?”

Try 10 days fasting. No problem. Now try 10 days without drinking.

You need water. This post will give you the why’s & how’s.

Why Do You Need to Drink Water?

• Exercise causes waterloss. Rehydration is essential for recovery.
• Water cleanse. Your body needs water to flush toxins & waste.
• Avoiding constipation. Water & fiber are important for a healthy stool.
• Healthy kidney’s. I believe low water intake causes kidney stones.
• Less fluid retention. No more swollen feet, legs, hands or bloated face.
• Biochemical processes in your body need water.
• Less hungry. If you’re dieting, drinking lots of water will help.

How Much Water Should You Drink? Nutritionists recommend 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day. This guideline is for the Average Joe eating 1500-2000 kcal a day, basic caloric needs for the average sedentary person who does not gain weight.

8 eight-ounce glasses equals 1,9 liter. So the basic rule is 1 liter water per 1000 calories.

If you exercise like me, you’ll probably get at least 3000 kcal a day. Because exercising causes dehydration, a gallon a day is suitable. Yep that’s right, that’s 4 liter water daily.

The more you exercise & eat, the more you need to drink. Thus, a better rule is 1 liter per 1000 kcal you expend. By using the calories you expend rather than those you consume, exercising is part of the equation.

How Can You Build The Habit of Drinking More Water? Ok, so you want to up your water consumption. Here’s how to start

• Drink 2 glasses of water when you wake up: one before & one after your breakfast.
• Drink 2 glasses of water every 3 hours.
• Drink half a liter of water during you workout.
• Drink water after you have exercised. A solid Post Workout Shake should take care of this.
• Take a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Using this method you’ll get about 4 liters (a US gallon) of water a day.

Frequently Asked Questions
“Can you drink too much water?” Yes, but this requires a conscious effort from your part. Drink 1 gallon a day, you’ll be safe.

“Will I have to pee more?” Yes, but you’ll get used to it.