When should I drink water?

People still cling to old wives’ tales that would have you believe that it is best not to drink at mealtimes to avoid food’s trapping the water. Not only does this idea have no physiological basis, in many cases it makes things worse. Not drinking while you eat, at a time when you naturally get thirsty and when drinking is so easy and enjoyable, may result in your suppressing your thirst. Then, when you are busy later on with your daily activities, you may forget to drink water for the rest of the day.

During the Dukan Diet and especially during the alternating proteins phase, except in cases of exceptional water retention caused by hormonal or kidney problems, it is absolutely essential to drink 1½ quarts of water a day. If possible, drink mineral water, or take it in any other liquid form such as tea, herbal tea, or coffee.

Have a cup of tea at breakfast, a large glass of water midmorning, 2 more glasses and a coffee at lunch, 1 glass during the afternoon, and 2 glasses with dinner and you have easily downed 2 quarts. Many patients have told me that in order to drink when they were not thirsty, they got into the habit of drinking directly from the bottle, and this worked better for them.