Tackling Eight Glasses of Water per Day

by Molly Niendorf — August 19, 2008

This month, I'm reading The Fat Flush by Ann Louise Gittleman and trying to incorporate some of her tips into my diet. I'm not generally a Diet Girl; that is, I believe more in a balanced diet than restriction. Still, pieces of Gittleman's advice might help us maintain a bikini-ready body through the summer.

For one, drink more water. Water beats bloat and supports a healthy immune system. You've heard the adage before -- eight glasses of water per day-- but what if, like me, you've never jumped on the water bandwagon? Water is refreshing, especially after a workout, but I never seem to reach my eight-glass target. The Fat Flush takes a different approach, in the form of hot water with fresh lemon, and a cranberry-water blend.

Here's what Gittleman suggests: Before breakfast, drink eight ounces of hot water with the juice of 1/2 lemon, which may activate metabolism and aid the liver.

Throughout the day, drink two 32-ounce bottles of cranberry-water blend (4 ounces of unsweetened juice + 28 ounces of water), purported to cleanse waste and help eliminate cellulite.

I'm skeptical that cranberry-water gets rid of cellulite; yet, after a week of drinking the water blends, I realize that I'm drinking more water per day than ever before and not just tolerating but actually enjoying, it. I certainly feel more hydrated-- my skin looks it too-- and I'm a step closer to a healthier lifestyle.