Drinking enough water during the day can be a struggle, creating questions about how to drink more water. This tends to become a huge problem when you actually hate water. But there can be some potential barriers to staying hydrated including taste, convenience, time, and your daily routine. Overcoming these barriers helped me to finally stay hydrated.
Every person’s water needs vary, so there’s no hard and fast rule about how much to drink. Although there are recommended daily amounts, the key is determining your water needs, based on your age, environment (such as hot, dry weather), activity levels, and overall health.
If you find water tasteless and boring, there are several simple and healthy ways to make it more appealing. Basically, find these healthy ways to boost your water intake during the day. Water plays a role in many body functions and is key to good health.
Ways to Drink More Water
Try a Fruit or Herb Infusion
Do you find the taste of water boring? Water is best to stay hydrated, but it’s understandable if you don’t like the bland taste.
Don’t reach for other types of drinks or mix-in powders. Many of them contain ingredients that are not healthy (e.g., sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.) Instead, you can use fresh fruits or herbs to infuse natural flavor into your water. Mint, lemon, cinnamon, and cucumber are popular choices.
The quickest and easiest way is to add some lemon to your water. Wash and slice up a fresh lemon. Take a wedge and squeeze it over your glass of water to give it a fresh citrus taste. If you’re cold, try some lemon in hot water.
If you want to try something more adventurous, there is no shortage of recipes for infusing water with fresh ingredients. Try an infusion pitcher to make it easier.
Carry a Refillable Water Bottle
One of the barriers to getting enough water every day is spending most of your day in an office where you might not remember to bring your water with you. Most people have a refillable water bottle at work. One way to remember to drink is to fill up your water bottle when you get up from your desk.
Filter Your Water
One way to drink more water is to make it taste better. There are various types of water filters. A water-filter pitcher that you fill up from the tap and keep in the refrigerator is a great way to improve its taste (e.g., Brita).
If you have well water, a better solution may be a filter system installed underneath the sink that has several different filters to eliminate numerous contaminants and sediment. There are also countertop systems that attach directly to your faucet; some even add minerals to the water.
Set Reminders to Drink
If you forget to drink water because you’re too busy and focused on other things, a water reminder app may help. There are many apps available (e.g., WaterMinder, Waterllama, My Water, Daily Water, Hydro Coach, etc. ) to help you stay on track with your daily water requirements. You can also try setting an alarm on your phone at various intervals to remind you to drink water.
Drink Throughout the Day
It might be easier to get enough water by sipping it throughout the day instead of trying to drink large amounts at once. Using a straw may help and a stainless steel container will keep the water cold. A 2021 study suggested that sipping water compared to having a large drink can improve attention.
Drink Water with Meals
Skip soda or other drinks with your meals and opt for water. This may help you drink more water without thinking too much about it. Also, choose water when at a restaurant instead of soda or other drinks. This will help you avoid extra sugar and calories, and added expense.
Improve Your Diet
About 20% of our water intake comes from food. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help increase your water intake. Focus on foods with high water content like:
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honey-dew melon).
- Cucumbers
These will also boost your health with the additional benefits of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
Create a Routine
Source: verywellhealth.com©
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