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Original poster

Week 1 of the 52 small changes challenge - all welcome

423 replies

OddSocksHighHeels · 27/12/2015 01:42

So the aim is to make one small change a week over a year to keep it manageable based on a book called 52 Small Changes. I'll post each week with the new challenge and people can adapt to however it suits them.

Week 1 starting tomorrow (or today I guess as it's now after midnight) is to drink more water.

The book advises this method for working out how much you should drink: take your body weight in pounds and divide by two, that number is the amount of water you should drink in ounces eg you weigh 150lb so you should drink 75oz water per day. I can't quite follow this so I'm sticking with 1.5 litres a day as an aim.

Feel free to add fruit or veg or whatever if you don't like the taste of water by itself. I currently have a jug that I've added some raspberries and mint to waiting for me to drink tomorrow.

I will check in at the end of each day to update on my progress and keep myself accountable. I hope you all find it helpful too!

Here's to a healthier year Wine

OP posts:
LibrariesGaveUsP0wer · 27/12/2015 09:32

I am in. I've drunk a pint so far this morning. I'm looking to do around 2 litres per day. I know I feel better when I do, but like others I have fallen out of the habit over Christmas (and, tbh, over the winter).

BubsandMoo · 27/12/2015 09:32

My GP said I don't drink enough water Blush I'm on medication that lowers my blood pressure so extra reason to stay hydrated, I felt a bit told off!

I find it really difficult. I've pledged to do a whole 30 detox month for January though so it'll be about my only option then! Do herbal tea and sparkling water count as well?

metimeisforwimps · 27/12/2015 09:32

I'm in! I find it much easier to drink sole (himalayan pink salt infused water) but can't afford more salt til next week so I'll manage with water! I got the book for 99p on kindle daily deal ages ago.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 27/12/2015 09:34

Joining in.

I'm feeling bloated and sluggish after a December of boozing and eating too much in general and particularly too much rubbish.

Feeling very much up to a challenge.

butteredbarmbrack · 27/12/2015 09:34

Found you! Reporting for duty....Smile

SkodaLabia · 27/12/2015 09:35

Sorry if I'm being a bit thick, but does the book set out what changes you have to make, or do you decide them for yourself? I like the idea of small manageable changes. Smile

Nikkinoo77 · 27/12/2015 09:38

Do I need to download the book? Or can I do it just from here?

MrFMercury · 27/12/2015 09:39

From that formula I need to drink 122.5oz a day which at 20 oz a pint in just over 6 pints a day, does that seem right? I understand it's possible to drink too much water because I once made myself ill drinking way WAY too much but this seems reasonable :)

gingercat02 · 27/12/2015 09:39

Oh sounds interesting. I'm in but will start next on Friday (I drink a fair bit of water anyway so should be OK with that). Is the book worth reading or will posting the change be enough OddSocks ?

Chrysanthemum5 · 27/12/2015 09:45

I'd just bought this book to start in the new year but I'll start now with you all. More water it is Smile

springscoming · 27/12/2015 10:01

Mr F 2 ltrs is about 4 pints. I spent a week trying to drink 4 ltrs a day because I got confused. It made me feel very
odd. I think 3 ltrs might be ok if you drink nothing else at all.

APlaceOnTheCouch · 27/12/2015 10:08

Ooh, this sounds interesting. Do I need to read the book? Does it set the challenges? So many questions . . .

gingercat02 · 27/12/2015 10:28

2 litres of fluid a day is enough for most people (more if you live in hot climates or if you exercise a lot)
This 2 litres of water has no medical/physiological evidence at all. About 8 drinks per day is usually right

DrDiva · 27/12/2015 10:37

Good morning! Haven't read thread yet (thanks DS Hmm I dunno, am I supposed to be parenting or something??) but have consumed 500ml. Feel better already!

TooShyShyHushHush · 27/12/2015 10:42

I like this idea! Concentrating on one small change a week seems more manageable.

I have to drink 2.5litres if my math is correct. I have one of those infusion bottles but I usually forget about it in the winter and use it loads in the summer. My favourites are lemon and ginger or lemon and mint. I put the ingredients into an ice cube tray and just chuck in a fresh one in the morning.

Also, there is a drink water app that you can set to go off with a reminder if you're bad at remembering.

Original poster
OddSocksHighHeels · 27/12/2015 10:49

The book does set the challenges but people might want to adapt some of them to suit themselves. I'll post them here so anybody that doesn't want to download it can still join in.

Sparkling water and herbal teas count as well.

OP posts:
DrDiva · 27/12/2015 10:53

I find I can glug quite a bit just after I have cleaned my teeth - the minty freshness really helps!

BugritAndTidyup · 27/12/2015 10:53

I want to do this, such a great idea. I think I'll be doing some of my own challenges though, but I'll be starting with drinking more water.

Can anyone recommend any handy apps for keeping track of multiple goals, please?

Ladyofthehouse · 27/12/2015 10:56

I love the sound of this! Am rubbish at drinking water so a good place to start!

RosieposiePuddingandPi · 27/12/2015 11:02

Oo count me in! Like others I drink plenty of water at work but almost none at home so have been feeling a bit dehydrated over the Christmas break.

RattieOfCatan · 27/12/2015 11:17

Checking in on the water front. I'm quite good with water at work but at home I forget to drink much Hmm

Helgathehairy · 27/12/2015 11:46

I'm in. I usually run the 'princessing' challenge on the style & beauty board but have had a shit few months and have lost all motivation. Feel like this will be easier to keep up - rather than trying to do everything.

FiveShelties · 27/12/2015 11:58

Joining in too - I normally drink lots of water, but two weeks holiday in December followed by huge Christmas excesses has resulted in the water being either forgotten or replaced with wine. Thank you for posting the idea.

RamblingRedRose · 27/12/2015 12:21

I'd like to join too. Thanks for posting this!

hefzi · 27/12/2015 13:11

Found you all! Thanks, Odd Smile

I got the book through Kindle Unlimited last night, and realised I have actually read it before - and done the whole, "ah, that's sensible, I can do that": and promptly failed to follow through Blush So I think your accountability idea is great.

I had to give up caffeine a few months ago, so now I only drink water (and alcohol Grin) which is fine as I love it - but for those who aren't fond of the taste, try putting a slice of lemon in: it takes the edge off and is also supposed to be cleansing for your insides (I have no idea why, but my mother told me, and she's not going to lie to me, is she )