You've realized you need to drink more water; maybe your eyes, mouth and skin are dry, you often feel overly thirsty, maybe even your doctor recommended it to improve your digestion. No matter what your reasons are, here are my top five tips on how to increase the amount of water you drink.
Lets face it, you've probably gotten used to drinking a certain amount of water a day, and it’s not easy to make a change.
I know, I’ve been there myself, as well as observed many of my clients going through it. Let me share with you what I think works best:
1. Improve the quality of your water. There are many filtration systems, like Brita, Eau Good by Black and Bloom or Bobble classic. You might also consider getting a water dispenser, or use bottled water (just remember to recycle).
Clean water is the healthiest hydration choice. And when water tastes good, you are more likely going to reach for it instead of other drinks.
2. Get yourself fancy or cool looking bottles to drink on-a-go. There are limitless options on the market. It can be in your favourite colour, insulated or not, transparent or not, perhaps reflect your personality somehow. Having an attractive bottle you can carry everywhere with you can easily improve your daily water intake.
3. Still having difficulties drinking regular water? Consider flavouring it with small amount of berries, fruits, vegetables or even spices. You can also mix and match. How about cucumber and lemongrass, blackberries and sage, apple and cinnamon, orange and vanilla bean, lime and basil, or a mix of blueberries, peach, lemon and mint? Have fun creating your own combinations.
Freeze your fruits and berries on their own on or in ice cubes, and you have a refreshing solution during hot days.
4. Set up reminders. You can have an alarm on your phone, computer, or a classic alarm clock, set up to go off several times a day. I’ve also discovered a "smart" water bottle called the Hidrate Spark, that tracks your daily water intake, but also glows to remind you to stay hydrated. Looks pretty cool. You might also consider tracking your water intake through apps like MyFitnessPal or Lose it!
5. Make drinking water a game. Instead of dreading it, create incentives and reward yourself at each milestone. For example, treat yourself with something special if you’ve reached your goal for a week. But it goes both ways too: no movies or video games until you’re caught up on your hydration goal.
You can even involve a friend member, a friend or a co-worker in your game. Why not spread the benefits as you all have a bit of fun.
Those are my five tips of how to drink more water. Stay hydrated!
Elena INSPIRE HEALTH
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