7 Ways to Increase Water Intake (When You Don’t Love Water)

Drinking water comes naturally for some people. They reach for their water bottle throughout the day, effortlessly getting their daily intake. I am not one of these people. I know the health benefits of water, but drinking it is a chore. It’s boring and I’d rather drink juice. I have some important health goals for myself, though, and I know that drinking water is a key component of reaching them. People who stay hydrated are healthier and more energized.

I’ve decided to challenge myself to increase my water intake slowly, but surely over the month of November and I knew I needed some creative ideas to make this happen. Here are 7 Ways to Increase Water Intake (When You Don’t Love Water):

1. Drink Water When You Brush Your Teeth. Essentially, choose an already established habit and add a half a glass to a glass of water before or after. It’s easier to build a new habit in conjunction with an existing one.
   
2. Eat Your Water. About 20 percent of the water you consume is in the foods you eat. Look to foods such as watermelons, cucumbers, cauliflower, spinach, and tomatoes to increase your water intake.

   

3. Fruit Water. Adding different fruit combinations to your water can be as simple as cutting up fresh lemon and as complex as thyme and blackberries. This is a delicious, natural way to add some pizzazz to your water. 52 Kitchen Adventures has a helpful list of fifty flavored water recipe ideas to get you started.
4. Fresh mint iced cubes. This is a delicious way to add a kick to your water and mint can be combined with lemon or cucumber water to mix things up a bit.

   

5. Water Alternatives. These can include herbal tea and sparkling water. I really enjoy the La Croix sparkling water because it is not overly sweet. This water just has a tinge of flavor and does not taste good with sugary sweet things (a bonus for those of us who like to sneak treats). The key is to avoid beverages with caffeine, sugar, sweeteners and other additives.
6. Find a Water Bottle (or 5) that You Love. Some people love a cold water bottle, others like the idea of the Fruitzola, while a glass straw is key for others. Figure out your favorite method for drinking water and surround yourself with bottles in your fridge, car, night stand, etc.
7. Track Your Progress. Perhaps an app is your thing. Maybe you want to set a timer to remind you to drink water every hour. Are you old school and a simple milk jug with water goals will work? You can even go with a more attractive motivational bottle to encourage you throughout the day.

   

8. Drink Water Before Meals. Dehydration often disguises itself as hunger. Drink water before a meal and you are more likely to only eat what you are hungry for. This can also help you fight off cravings and snacking. 

1. Ease Into It. Don’t expect your water intake to be at 8 glasses overnight if you’re currently at 2.
2. Make realistic, obtainable goals for yourself.
3. Start with the Hydration Calculator on about.com.
4. Focus on Health over Weight.

Who wants to join me in setting a goal to increase your water intake this month? Let me know below and we’ll encourage each other!

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