This March, we’re asking Australians to make water their only beverage for the Water Challenge. But what makes a drink a drink, and where do you draw the line between a drink and a meal?
There’s only really one rule when it comes to the Water Challenge. And that’s to make water your own beverage for 31 days during March. Sounds simple enough, ay? That means replacing your daily coffee, your after-work beer and your morning tea with nothing but water. But there are a few grey areas when it comes to the Water Challenge, and we’re here to clean them up for you.
Days off
Have you got a wedding, party, or birthday scheduled right in the middle of your Water Challenge schedule? Or maybe you’ve got the work week from hell coming up, complete with multiple 6am wake-up calls!
Your ticket to taking a day off the Water Challenge is a ‘Raise a Glass’ pass. A $24 donation to your page earns you a full day off! Make the donation yourself or ask the workmate who scheduled that early morning meeting to pay up (and enjoy your coffee without guilt).
Just remember, each ‘Raise a Glass’ pass only lasts for one day. Get back to drinking water the next day – your body will thank you for it!
To activate your ‘Raise a Glass’ pass, all you need to do is make the $24 donation to your fundraising page and write ‘Raise a Glass pass’ in the message field.
Can I add anything to my water?
Yes, but only if it’s fresh fruit or herbs in their natural state. No cordial or tea bags allowed!
Get inspired with our favourite water additions to curb your afternoon cuppa cravings: Basil – Blackberries – Cucumber – Ginger – Kiwi – Lemon – Lime – Mint – Orange – Pineapple – Raspberries – Strawberries – Watermelon
Is it a meal or a drink?
We don’t always consume fluids in a glass – sometimes they’re in a bowl. So what are the rules for the milk at the bottom of the cereal bowl, or the soup entrée that precedes dinner?
The best question to ask yourself here is: is it a meal or a drink? So long as you’re not overfilling your breakfast bowl with half a litre of milk, or replacing your daily tea with daily cups of chicken soup, we’re happy for you to continue your regular dietary habits.
This is good news for your body when it comes to fruits. While we’re not going to let you have that orange juice you’re craving, there’s nothing stopping you from eating a fresh orange. Processed fruit drinks often contain extra sugar or surpass your recommended daily fruit intake, so munching on an apple or slicing up some pineapple is a much healthier option than a smoothie anyway.
Can I drink Soda Water?
Yes! Soda water is absolutely permitted whilst doing the Water Challenge
Can I still have milk with my cereal?
If it’s part of a meal, it’s A-OK! So long as you’re not overfilling your breakfast bowl with half a litre of milk, or replacing your daily tea with daily cups of chicken soup, we’re happy for you to continue your regular dietary habits.
Can I still have my protein shakes?
Unfortunately protein shakes are still a non H20 drink, so not permitted on the challenge. But you don’t need to go without your protein hit- why not try adding it to your meals instead? Mix it with your oatmeal, porridge or make some protein balls as a breakfast alternative!
Check out some of our favourite recipes from our resident nutritionist Shelley McKenzie here:
Can I nibble on coffee beans?
It’s a weird habit, but if that’s what you need to keep alert during March, we’re not going to stop you! The same goes with sprinkling milo powder or instant coffee on your ice cream, if you’re desperately craving those flavours. Speaking of ice cream, alcoholic ice cream is acceptable, although we recommend you eat responsibly.
When does the Water Challenge take place?
We encourage all participants to take the challenge for the full 31 days of March. Have an event that will cramp your Water Challenge style? No worries- purchase a Raise a Glass Pass for a day off!
If a whole month without your morning caffeine fix or Friday night pint proves too tough, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Create a team and take the Water Challenge Relay instead. Simply ‘pass the glass’ each week, taking on the challenge in turns!
Is medication acceptable?
Yes, if you need to take medication in liquid form, that's completely fine!
The spirit of the campaign
At the end of the day, the most important thing about the Water Challenge is that you’re undertaking it in good spirits (but not the top shelf kind). As long as you’re making a sacrifice and raising funds and awareness for the 844 million people who still lack access to safe water, we’re happy!
