I too am a water hater. Before Atkins my only fluids were 2 cups of coffee per day and maybe a beer after work. The first technique I tried was downing a glass every hour I was at work... I would get my 8 glasses in that way but I found downing it caused some bloating. Now I keep a 33 oz bottle on my desk... I drink one bottle in the morning and then one in the afternoon.... it seems to work. I also usually drink another bottle if I go to the gym. Before water, I found that after an aerobics class my head would pound..... now that doesn't happen anymore. As much as you hate it, it is important.