Hydrate 28 - The Verdict Is In

It's not often that Regan and I blog together in the same post, but today is your lucky day. We're giving you the results of our #Hydrate28 challenge. I can't believe I'm putting these pictures on the Internet, but here goes.

Before

After

I don't really see a big difference in these photos - maybe my skin is a little shinier (or is it the light?). That being said, there have definitely been some changes. First, the most notable, when you drink enough water, you pee....a lot. I've never been pregnant, but this must be what it's like. But it isn't just the peeing, I've actually seen some benefits. My regular medium-grade almost daily headaches (I suffer from migraines) have gotten better. And, sometimes I get these little bumps on the back of my arms (on my triceps) and they are pretty much gone. I consider those two things alone success! The great thing about this challenge for me is that I'm back on track. Just like 30 for 30 got me exercising 6 days a week again, now I'm on the water wagon - and I don't have any plans of falling off again. #hydrate28forever

And now, it's my turn (Regan). Twenty eight days of 3 liters of water per day, and what are the results?

Before

After

The before and after are pretty much the same. I still have dark circles under my eyes, a big freckle on my nose, some wrinkles and chicken pox scars. It's not as if I expected any of these things to disappear, although it would have been nice if they had.

However, like Katie said, there have been noticeable changes in my body. My skin may not look better, but it feels better to the touch, and I've been pretty much zit free since I started. Like Katie, I too have experienced a decrease in my headaches, which is a definite plus. And, as I shared in my mid-point update, I feel fewer negative effects on my body when I drink alcohol.

So, as the #hydrate28 challenge comes to an end, I will say that this has been a life changing month. I will never go back to my poor hydration habits. There may not be many visible physical changes, but I know that I feel better and that my body is benefiting from proper hydration.

So, how did the challenge go for you? We would love to hear from you through the blog comments, Facebook or twitter.

P.S. I am convinced that this photo was enhanced, and that this woman did not really look this much better after 28 days.

Keeping it Real: Hydrate 28

I'm now 1/2 way through my 28 day hydration challenge. I know many of you have joined Katie and I in our efforts to drink more water. I hope it's going well for you, and that you are reaching your daily 3 liter/100 ounce water goal!

I've met or exceeded the goal every day, so I have no doubt that I will hit my hydration goal for the remaining 14 days.

That said, I don't look ten years younger yet, and it hasn't changed my physical appearance....

So what changes have I noticed in my body since drinking 3 liters of water per day for 14 days?

1. I have to go to the bathroom A LOT! I mean, a ridiculous amount of times.

2. I don't have much "time" to drink anything but water. Sometimes it feels like a job!

3. My skin feels better. I can't really say if I've noticed a change in its appearance, but it feels like something is changing.

4. Drinking more water allows me to drink more wine. I am very sensitive to alcohol. One glass can give me a headache and a hangover. BUT, I feel the effect far less when I am well hydrated. BONUS! More water = more wine!

5. Did I mention how much I'm peeing? I thought my bladder might build up a tolerance, but it hasn't.

For those of you participating in the challenge, what changes have you noticed in your body? How about changes in your daily routine? We would love to hear from you!

Speaking of water, I have my eye on these drinking glasses from School House Electric (one of my FAVORITE stores here in Portland). They are definitely on my birthday wish list.

Nothing like a great water vessel to promote hydration! I also love this half full/half empty glass!

My glass is 100% half full because Katie and I are spending the week in Sun Valley with our family! 

Keeping it Real

Get ready...this post is about as real as I can get...today's post includes a picture of me, first thing in the morning with greasy hair and no makeup! It's definitely the worst photo I have ever posted on any form of social media.

But first, the back story...

I recently saw this photo of a British journalist, Sarah Smith, who claims that after 28 days of drinking 3 Liters of water a day (approximately 100 ounces) she looks "10 years younger." Is it the water or is it the lighting, makeup and airbrushing?

This is an old story (here) and clearly not a new concept. With a Masters degree in Physiology I, of all people, know how important water is for cellular function, joint lubrication, waste removal, maintenance of body temperature....the list goes on and on and on. 

Recommendations on how much water you should consume are somewhat controversial, especially when it comes to fluid replacement during exercise. As far as general guideline for daily water consumption, it's about 2 Liters per day for women and 3 Liters for men. 

Despite my intimate knowledge of these recommendations, I am terrible at drinking water. So, when I saw this picture I began to think, what if I committed to 28 days of 3 Liters of water a day? Would I look 10 years younger?  I'm not holding my breath on the 10 years younger results, but would my skin be better, my dark circles lighter, my wrinkles less noticeable?

I figure, it's worth finding out! 

So, here I am on the morning of day 1 of my 28 day commitment to drinking more water. I can't believe I am posting this photo, but if it's all about keeping things real...well this is about as real as it gets.  There is no filter on this photo, no auto enhance, nothing. I took this picture at about 6:30 a.m. and will do the same when I post my "after" photo. 

Until then. Is there anyone that wants to join me and report back on their results?