Trying to drink more water? Water is vital to our health yet only roughly a quarter of people get enough hydration throughout the day. Yikes! That means that an overwhelming amount of individuals are walking around lacking proper hydration and missing out on the benefits of one of the body’s most important nutrients.
There are so many reasons we need water and an insufficient amount can cause several issues from headaches, to dry skin, to weight gain, yet for some people getting that daily dose of H2O can be a struggle. If you are one of those people who find it challenging to sip on plain tap or bottle water, don’t fight it; it’s just not your thing. However, that does not mean you should skip drinking water all together. It’s important to drink more water. Look for ways to hydrate that are more palatable, because chances are you will be willing to gulp down glass after glass of water if you find it tasty and refreshing. Who knows you may even find yourself reaching for it instead of your favorite beverage.
Ready to drink more water? Here are four things to add to your water to step up your hydration game:
Tea Time!
Need a warm beverage to wake up to? Make it an herbal tea. Any decaffeinated beverage counts towards your hydration count – even a warm cuppa tea. Steep fresh mint or warming ginger for an eye-opening morning delight. Add lemon or orange peels to hot water for a refreshing midday boost, or try dried herbs, like oregano or lavender to heal and soothe after a long day. The possibilities are endless! Check out your spice rack or fruit bowl for inspiration. Not digging the hot tea? You can also chill your brews to enjoy throughout the day. Iced lemon ginger tea never hurt any one.
Fruitify It
The old standby is a classic for a reason – it really works! If drinking plain ole flat water is not for you, try adding some fruit or juice for a hint of flavor. Chances are we all have had lemon in our water at some point, but there are other fruits or fruit combos that work well like:
- Strawberries and basil;
- Peach and blueberries;
- Pineapple and lime;
- Cucumber and mint.
Just mix fresh or frozen fruit with water in a pitcher and let sit for a few hours. Don’t have a few hours to wait? Add a splash or two of fruit juice to sparkling water to create a fancy mocktail that works wonders in the hydration department.
Think Outside the Tap
Can’t fathom drinking one more glass of H20? Switch things up with coconut water or aloe vera juice to get your hydration boost. Coconut water has a mild sweet taste while aloe vera tends to offer a slight bitter note. Both offer tons of hydration and an array of electrolytes, although coconut water does have some sugar. Opt for brands that don’t have additives on the label and are free of flavors for optimal nutritious value.
Make it Sparkle
Turn your water habit up a notch with some bubbles. Sparkling water adds a little something something to your every day. Plus, the effervescence gives off a soda vibe. It’s a pinkie’s up kind of drink, but don’t feel like you have to wait for a special event to drink it. Have some chilled in the fridge to sip on throughout the day and even take it with you as you run errands. It’s an easy way to make the water-drinking experience different without adding flavor.