Last year I was doing a ketogenic diet which requires participants to hydrate much more than normal. My goal during that period was 4 liters of water and/or Crystal Light per day. Juice, soda, and coffee didn’t count.

Looking back on it now, I’m incredibly impressed that I regularly met my goal because I currently strive for 64 ounces per day and I find it very challenging. True, I can no longer chug a Nalgene of water in 2 minutes without fear of my stomach bursting (that wouldn’t really happen, would it?) but I am able to take pretty big gulps now. I actually remember, shortly after surgery, wondering if my days of gulping beverages were behind me. I had read the blog post of a woman who was 1 year out from surgery say that she could still only sip.

Thank Frank that hasn’t been my reality. I can take pretty big swigs from my water bottle and it feels great. But, I’m a slacker and I’m not as diligent about it as I need to be. I would dare to say that I always get in at least 48 ounces of liquid but I’m supposed to be getting closer to 70. I know I feel better when I’m hydrated and things flow better, if you know what I mean, but sometimes I forget or get distracted, or I’m lazy.

And then I find myself, like tonight, at 11:30PM with 32 ounces still to drink, approaching stomach-bursting territory. Wish me luck!