It seems as though it should be the simplest thing to do in any given day, but I must admit I have to remind myself repeatedly to drink more water. My nutritionist Leslie Roehrig e-mails me to check on my progress and that’s the first thing she asks: “Lisa, how are you doing with the water?” I explained to her early on about my water issues. When I look at my belly it certainly seems to me like I have been consuming water regularly, but that is not the case. In fact, I am learning that drinking more water-not less, can alleviate this condition. Truthfully, this does not make the idea of drinking more of it, any more alluring to me. I just know-like so many other things in life-it’s just something I have to do.

Now, I keep a bottle of water at my desk at all times, but even though it is sitting right there, I think about other beverages first when I get thirsty. (Funny, since nothing quenches a thirst like water does). My employers even do an excellent job at providing fresh spring water for us in bottles and in a cooler. So, I have no excuse.

According to the American Beverage Association, proper hydration is essential for maintaining body temperature and for transporting oxygen and other important nutrients to our cells. It seems we lose water easily as we perspire, take bathroom breaks, and even just by breathing throughout the day.