As you read in my other post about the benefits of water, (which if you didn't, check it out) I am water obsessed. But did you know I used to HATE water? I would gag at having to drink a glass, and refuse to have it with dinner or willingly and look at me now, writing a blog entry about it! It is actually all that I drink, yes you read that correctly, all day long all I drink is water. From the minute I wake up to before I go to sleep I am sipping on that good stuff, helpin' myself to stay hydrated.
Sip, Slurp, Swallow
2. Spice up your water with some flavor. If the taste of plain water isn't your thing, try adding something to it! Some people are good with just a few slices of lemon or lime but others need a bit more zest than that. Fruit infused water is becoming more popular, toss in a few of your favorite berries in a pitcher of water overnight and by the next day, your plain jane glass of water is now "berry irresistible". Don't like berries? Try another type of fruit! Another popular idea is cucumber water, same premise, toss in some slices in a pitcher overnight and let sit. Don't want to use a pitcher? Place them in your to go water bottle overnight and bring it with you while you go about your day!
3. Eat more fruits and veggies. That's right, eat certain fruits and vegetables to increase water intake! This is my favorite tip because I sure do love to eat, especially when it helps keep me hydrated. Watermelon is 90% water so it's an excellent option to indulge in, especially because it's summertime! Other high water content fruits include oranges, grapefruit, cataloupe and honeydew. Veggies such as celery, cucumbers (my fave!), tomatoes, green peppers, and romaine lettuce all have high water content so crunch on those!
4. Start as soon as you wake up! After sleeping all night, your body needs some hydration, I know I always wake up so thirsty! This is a good time to sip on a bottle slowly as you go about your morning. For me, I wake up take my meds, and have to wait a half hour until I can eat. Within that half hour I try and drink at least a full Camelbak so I'm setting myself up to start the day hydrated! Having a whole bottle not your thing? Try and drink at least half, especially for my fellow coffee and tea drinkers since both are diuretics .
5. Make it a game or competition! Who doesn't like a bit of a challenge or game? Set a goal for yourself daily about your water intake, such as, "Drink two glasses before lunch time" and then make it extra fun by marking up your bottles with lines and times you should drink that certain amount by.