Simple ways to drink more water & stay hydrated
Drinking more water is a common challenge for those dipping their toes into a healthier lifestyle for the first time. They say they hate the taste. It’s boring. Or they forget to reach for the glass. Are you among the water-adverse?
I won’t get into too much detail about how important water is for our bodies. The amount needed depends on your age, weight, environment, health, diet, and activity level. Healthline reports that generally, women need 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day, and men need 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) a day.
I’m a bonified water lover, and I’ve got some great tips and tricks to keep anyone who claims to hate water – or simply forgets to drink it – stay hydrated. Read on:
Foods That Hydrate
Drinking water is the best way to ensure you are hydrated properly adding foods high in water content is a nice supplement if you think you may be falling short on the hydration scale. Eating fruits like watermelon, strawberries and oranges, vegetables such as lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, soups, and even dairy, can help you reach optimal hydration.
Foods That Dehydrate
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of dehydration include: extreme thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. Salty snacks, cured meat, fried food, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and soda all contribute to dehydration. Either eliminate or minimize eating these foods and chug a glass of water after eating these foods.
More ways to drink more water
Stay on top of your thirst: Sip water throughout the day so you never get to the point of feeling super thirsty or fatigued.
Purchase a big water bottle: I have a 40-ounce water bottle and I fill it up about three times a day. I bring it to the gym, and in the car when traveling, and it stays on my desk while I work. Amazon sells a two-pack for $42.99. You won’t have to worry about filling cup after cup or buying more plastic water bottles.
Use a straw. This is especially helpful for those who don’t like the taste of water. Drinking from a straw allows you to suck down a lot of water and minimizes the taste. There are countless reusable steel or glass straws on Amazon that you can purchase.
Quality water: Maybe you are not drinking enough water because your water is…terrible. Seriously, if you are drinking out of the tap chances are the water tastes bad. Purchasing a water filtration system of any kind will improve your relationship with water. Whether it’s a Brita filter pitcher, water filter faucet system or under-sink water filter – you will up your hydration game with the investment. My husband and I switched from buying wasteful water bottles and jugs every week to an under-the-sink filter system and it was a game-changer. We weren’t afraid to run out of drinking water and felt better that we were not adding more plastic to the recycling bin.
Consider buying a water testing kit at Home Depot to make sure you are not drinking anything harmful to you or your family. This water testing kit is $18.
Flavoring: Water can get boring but replacing it with soda or juices is not the answer. Don’t drink your calories! There are some wonderful sugar-free flavoring options out there. My favorite is True Lemon. They sell zero-calorie unsweetened water enhancers and low-calorie drink mixes. They have packets so you can keep them with you on the go. I love the unsweetened True Lime flavor that is made from real citrus. It gives just a hint of flavor.
Get techie with it: There are numerous apps for tracking and reminding you of your water intake. Check out the Gulp app or Kropla app. Sometimes a gentle reminder is all we need to stay on track.
Water first, then food. Drink the water served at the restaurant as soon as you sit down and say yes to refills. It may even help you curb your appetite, therefore eating less calories.
