Busy women don’t have time to drink water, or so it increasingly seems. Let’s be honest: the more water we drink, the more we find ourselves running back and forth to the restroom and for a busy woman that is extremely counterproductive. So, what do you do to down enough water without wasting your day away in the lady’s room? Here are a few tips.

Say “No” To the 8 x 8 Rule

For decades we have all heard that for optimal health we should drink eight 8oz. glasses of water each day, but is there any scientific proof to back up this recommendation? “No”, says a Dartmouth Medical Center physician, Heinz Valtin, MD. In fact, Valtin finds it "difficult to believe that evolution left us with a chronic water deficit that needs to be compensated by forcing a high fluid intake."

Valtin also lists a few disadvantages to high water intake such as possible exposure to pollutants, especially if sustained over many years; frequent urination, which can be both inconvenient and embarrassing; expense, for those who satisfy the 8 x 8 requirements with bottled water; and feelings of guilt for not achieving 8 x 8.

So, How Much Water Should You Drink?
The verdict is still out on this one. Some scientists say take your body weight, divide it by two and that is how many ounces of water you should drink. Others say that if you aren’t sweating a lot, then drink water when you feel thirsty and make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in the meantime to also achieve adequate water intake. If you are an active woman or work or live in a warm place then you should drink increased levels of water to replenish water loss.

Carry Water With You
Even though we now know it is not necessary to drink 64 ounces of water each day it is still to your advantage to opt to drink water as opposed to drinking caffeinated beverages or fruit juice. But carrying around plastic water is a great concern for environmentalists. The reason? According to the Earth Policy Institute, Americans drank 25 billion gallons of bottled water in 2004 and 86 percent of plastic water bottles used in the United States become garbage or litter.  

So, How Should You Carry Water With You?
We recommend filling a reusable stainless steel water bottle like the Klean Kantene with purified water. The Klean Kantene comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 12 oz. to 40 oz, is durable, lightweight, reusable and 100% recyclable, provides a safe alternative to plastic and lined metal containers, and has a mouth wide enough for ice cubes. Find at http://www.kleankanteen.com

Spruce Up Your Beverage
In this age of sugary sweet beverages, it becomes harder and harder to simply drink water and be satisfied. Adding flavors such as organic lemon, lime, or even mint leaves will enhance plain water and also aid in better health. All three are great for the digestive system.