Drinking water throughout the day can seem like such a chore sometimes. Either you forget until you’re so thirsty you down a whole bottle or you can’t be bothered because you don’t like the taste.
Staying hydrated is necessary for all kinds of processes in the body from digestion to focus and concentration, keeping your skin healthy and glowing, flushing out unwanted substances through detoxification. Hydration even has an effect on your mood, you’ve probably noticed yourself getting grumpy when you haven’t had anything to drink in a long time.
Here are some tips on how to increase your water intake to keeps things working smoothly!
- Start your day off with a big glass of water
You’ve been sleeping for hours and your body has been going through all its functions that use up water, it’s time to replenish! You can make it easier to remember by filling a glass or water bottle the night before and leaving it on your night stand.
- Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go
It’s easier to remember to drink when you actually have water with you! Pick out a cute bottle if that will entice you to use it more, there are so many options out there.
- Add flavour to your water using fruits, vegetables and herbs
Sometimes you just don’t enjoy the taste of water and that’s okay! Make it more interesting by flavouring it and get creative with the combinations. I like strawberries, cucumber and mint. Blueberries and basil are also yummy together! Combine them in a pitcher so you have plenty on hand.
- Make herbal iced teas
Who doesn’t love a glass of ice cold tea on a hot day? Go for a caffeine-free herbal tea so you can drink it anytime during the day. Some of my favourites include Rooibos tea with a little bit of vanilla and maple syrup, Hibiscus tea with some lemon, cinnamon and ginger, and Peppermint tea – refreshing on its own or with lemon!
- Drink coconut water
Nature’s Gatorade! Full of electrolytes like potassium and sodium to keep your body balanced. Check the label to make sure the only ingredient is coconut water, no added sugar! Level up hydration by mixing coconut water with a splash of citrus juice and a pinch of Himalayan salt for extra minerals.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content
There are other ways of getting more water in than just drinking it…you can eat it in the form and juicy fruits and vegetables. Watermelon is usually the first one that comes to mind but you can also get those fluids in through berries, peaches, grapes, cucumber, celery…even avocados can add to your water intake!
- Give yourself goals to hit throughout the day
If you’re one of those people who need to motivate themselves through challenges then this tip is for you!
Try the elastic band trick:
Get a water bottle or jar that measures about 500 mL. Put 4 elastic bands or hair ties around it. Every time you empty it, take off one of the bands. Your goal is to empty the bottle 4 times over the day.
You can also find water bottles with hourly markings on them to keep you on track during the day or simply set reminders on your phone to help you reach your goal.
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