SEARCY, AR (LP) — The water challenge is a challenge that some Searcy teachers participate in. The teacher’s go on a thirty day streak of drinking water to challenge their determination. “As the month has gone on it had become easier to bypass sugary drinks for water.” Ms. Ritter, a teacher from SLC had to say. But not everyone can feel the same. “The water challenge was hard for me because I never been and the habit of drinking water.” Mr. Jackson an aid from SLC says. Sugary drinks can become very tempting and delicious to the human mind when you can’t have it but Mrs. Ritter’s has overcome that temptation by hacking the challenge, “One trick I use is I put Lemon Juice in my water to give it flavor but not sugar.” She uses a substance that is sugar free to help her not break from her challenge which is a smart idea.

At home, the challenge may get more challenging because of drinks they may have around their home. “I have been good at sticking to the water challenge in the evenings, however, on Weekends I have been know to slip some.” Ms. Ritter said. What can you say, I would’ve done the same thing. It’s hard to drink water for 30 days if you are not used to it, but at the end it comes with great results. “I am planning on sticking to drinking water for the majority part of my fluid intake after the challenge is over.  I have found that my body has come accustomed to it and when I don’t drink as much water as I normally do, I find that I am thirstier and the only thing that will quench my thirst is water.”

So who brought the water challenge to light in the searcy schools district and the first place? It was your own Child Nutrition Director, Charlotte Davis. “As District Wellness Committee Chair, I attended a workshop sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Education last summer, and they told us about the Healthy Active Arkansas initiative called ‘Rethink Your Drink’.  As a Registered Dietitian, I loved the scientific data provided about the importance of staying hydrated AND cutting back on unnecessary extra calories from sugary beverages.” Mrs. Davis  told us to let us know where she got the idea of the water challenge for teachers. “Then, in January, our district Wellness Committee agreed to join in the ’30-Day Water Challenge’ event suggested in the Healthy Active Arkansas materials, If we could get some small incentive prizes.” Mrs. Charlotte Davis told us to let us know how they started the challenge. Maybe you should participate in a water challenge.