"Mental Edge" Monday - The 14-Day Water Challenge
Mental Edge Monday
Topic #4 The 14-Day Water Challenge
I challenge you to drink nothing but water for the next 14 days. That means no coffee, beer, tea, milk, juice - nothing but water.
I have tried this with several of my training clients over the years with terrific results. The reason for the challenge is two-fold:
- Water is good for you. Not only does water make up 70% of our body, but it also produces energy, builds new cells, detoxifies our body, regulates our temperature, lubricates joints, and thousands of other functions. We lose water every minute of every day, just by breathing. Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are diuretics – causing even more water loss. Water loss of only one percent can impair you mentally and physically. Losses of four percent can cause headaches, loss of energy, muscle fatigue and irritability.
- Awareness. By restricting your drink choices to one, you will quickly become very aware how much you rely on non-water drinks. This may not be everyone, but a large majority of people will have to make significant behavioral changes to their weekly routine. No more cup of coffee on the way to work. No more soda with lunch. No beer with dinner. No cocktail on Saturday night.
What's the point of the challenge?
For one, my hope is that if you feel significantly better after a 2-week "water-only" regimen, that you will incorporate more water into your daily routine.
Second, whether or not you are convinced to add more water to your life, I hope you will be much more aware of what impact your beverage choices have on your wallet, waistline, and weight. Every time you reach for a cup of coffee or beer, I hope you will pause and think about how you felt during the 14-day challenge.
I'm not suggesting you give up every other beverage for life, but at least acknowledge the choices you're making and how they may affect your health (and wealth).
Let me know how it goes? Was this challenge easy for you? Were you in withdrawal for a week?
Until next week, Keep the Edge.
Phil Black (FitDeck Founder)