8 Ways to Increase Your Daily Water Intake
1. Add a Splash of Citrus
If you just can't drink glass after glass of plain water all day, try infusing your water with some citrusy flavor. Just slice up some lemon, lime, or orange, or even all three! Then add to a pitcher or bottle and let it infuse your water with fruity flavor. Keeping a pitcher of this in your fridge at all times will double your water intake in no time.
Other great infusers? Strawberries, mango, cucumbers, and mint. You can also find flavored waters on supermarket shelves, but read the labels carefully and watch out for added sugar.
2. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Toting around a refillable water bottle is a surefire way to increase your water intake. Pick up a cute one at the grocery store or mall and be sure to wash it often. Prefer to drink out of a straw? Look for bottles with built-in straws. Like the fruit-infusion idea in tip number 1? There are reusable water bottles with a special section for fruit slices.
Here's another tip: Did you know it's extremely common to mistake thirst for hunger? The next time you feel hungry, try drinking some water before reaching for food to see if that's what your body is really craving.
3. Go for Sparkling Water
Because bubbles make everything more fun try alternating flat water with the carbonated kind. Experts say carbonated water is just as good for you as flat. Fizzy water is especially good if you're trying to cut back on soda. There are even options available with a hint of flavor. Just remember to check those labels for added sugar or sweeteners.
4. Spice Up Your Food
Think about it: A little heat at mealtime is guaranteed to send you straight for some refreshing water to cool down your mouth. Try seasoning your food with a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce. There are some fantastic spicy salt-free seasoning mixes out there too. Bonus? Guzzling water in between bites will help you feel full faster, so you'll be less likely to overdo it on portions.
5. Change Up the Temperature
Start your day with a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon. Some people prefer ice-cold water, especially after a workout, while others find that sipping room temperature water is easier than sipping it cold. Try switching it up until you find the temperature that works best for you. It could be that you like different temperatures at different times of days.
6. Get Your Workout On
When you're working up a sweat you'll need to replenish those fluids. Even a fast-paced walk on your lunch break can have you reaching for the cold stuff. Set a goal of at least 8 ounces of water for every 30 minutes of physical activity. Make sure you're always prepared with a big bottle of water, especially if you're exercising in the heat.
7. Use a Tracker App
Set a daily goal on your phone app and update it throughout the day. You don’t want to realize at the end of the day that you still have more than half of your daily water left to drink. Who wants to drink that much water before bed? Having the reminder at your fingertips can be really helpful. A few helpful apps include Waterlogged for iPhone and Carbodroid for Android users. No smartphone? Set an alarm to go off throughout the day as a reminder.
8. Use a Straw
Using a straw is one of my favorite tips for getting a lot of water in a short amount of time. Something about sipping through a straw makes the water go down easier. As mentioned in tip number 2, you can even find reusable water bottles and cups with built-in straws.