My drinking problem

On average, doctors recommend that most people consume eight glasses of water a day. This comes from some mathematical formula that says if we don't drink enough liquid, we'll dehydrate, and then bad things will happen. So, between water, water in the foods we eat, and other sources of liquid (don't quote me but I think you can substitute a cup of coffee or diet pop and still count it as a glass of water every day), you're supposed to get at least 64 ounces of fluid. 

Most days, I double that. Occasionally, though rare, I've even tripled it. 

I have a confession to make: I like to drink. 

Now, before you start worrying about me and an alcohol problem, let me clarify. I like to drink ANYTHING. This has been going on as far back as I can remember. I think I take after my mother, the woman who never leaves the house without a bottle of water or a Diet Coke, even if the errand she's running will only take twenty minutes. You never know when you might need a drink. 

My mother and I are both hefty drinkers. We drink a LOT of fluid. It doesn't matter what it is -- water, coffee, Diet Coke, juice, milkshakes, and, for me, occasionally alcohol. This has gotten me in to trouble before. It's not that I MEANT to drink that much... I just REALLY like liquids. 

I remember the first time I ever had my body fat measured. I was at Ladies Fitness Zone and Janet was taking my measurements for me. The amount of liquid in the body was supposed to be between 55-60%. Mine was 61%. Janet commented that she rarely saw people even make it into the normal range, let alone go above it. At least I know I'm well hydrated! Most recently, my water level was 62.7%. I'm full of water, people. 

I'm the girl who drinks a 24-ounce bottle of water and at least a cup of coffee in the car on my way to work. Throughout the school day, I sip, constantly, mostly on water, but occasionally on Diet Coke. When I work out, I drink like a lush. I can't get enough water. I'm pretty much always drinking. 

For Christmas, I've asked for one of those fancy water belts to wear while I run. They're super attractive, obviously, but I really need easy access to water, and dinky cups on race day aren't going to do it. 

Writing this post, in fact, has made me thirsty. Bring on the liquids baby.