12 Simple Ways to Drink More Water

Water makes up between 50 to 70 percent of your body weight and is required for various cellular functions.  It is essential for your body to survive, which means your health must drink adequate water each day.

Dehydration can result in fuzzy thinking, mood swings, overheating of the body, constipation, and kidney stones. Drinking water can help prevent dehydration.

By replacing calorie-containing beverages, such as sweet tea or ordinary soda, with water, you can manage your weight and consume fewer calories as well.

Your body's organs, cells, and tissues require water to function properly. For instance, water:

1. Eliminates waste by urinating, sweating, and bowel motions
2. Regulates the body's temperature
3. Safeguards delicate tissues
4. Joint lubrication and cushioning

Here are a few ways to drink more water:

1. Drink water as soon as you wake up: A large glass of water is a perfect way to start the day shortly after waking up. Aside from helping you wake up quickly, drinking water in the morning can help with digestion, ease daytime fatigue, and flush out any toxins that could have accumulated overnight.
2. Consider fruit-infused water: Fruit-infused water can add flavor, vitamins and a splash of color, making it more enjoyable overall. Lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, kiwis, blueberries, and pineapple are some examples of common fruits to add, but you can use any fruit you choose. For a more refreshing flavor, add some mint or cucumber.
3. “Snack” on water: Eating certain meals can help meet your daily water intake. Celery, cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon, and strawberries are a few examples of foods high in water and fiber.
4. Adore your water bottle: Purchase a water bottle you enjoy and use consistently. When you are working, traveling, or resting, have your bottle close by. You will have more water throughout the day if it is readily available.
5. Create reminders: If you wait to drink water until you are thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated. Instead, try adding reminders to your phone or calendar to make sure you drink water frequently throughout the day.
6. Juices should be diluted: Fruit and vegetable juices might taste overly thick or sweet to certain individuals. Some people simply do not want the additional calories. Try diluting with water or club soda for an added fizz.
7. Track your water consumption: Whether you choose to use a pen and paper or a smartphone app, record how much water you consume each day. This will hold you accountable and help you determine whether your goals are being met. Another way is to carry rubber bands with you, and when your water bottle is empty, wrap one of them around it.
8. Sip water before, during, and following meals: Add water to your pre-meal routine before eating anything to increase the number of fluids you consume daily. Drinking water before, during, and after a meal helps with restricting your calorie intake as well.
9. Replace soda with sparkling water or seltzer: If you are searching for a cool carbonated beverage, try replacing soda with sparkling water or seltzer. Seltzer replaces soda and significantly reduces the amount of needless sugar, adding a little bit more water to your diet. There are a ton of flavors available.
10. Practice gulping instead of sipping: Every time you reach for water, take 5 to 10 gulps rather than taking a glass and sipping from it. By doing this, you will drink more water throughout the day.
11. Add flavor-enhancing substances to the water: Lastly, a range of water enhancers are available on the market to make water more tasty or healthful. However, a lot of water enhancers contain a lot of artificial sweeteners and colors, so use them sparingly or read the label to find the healthiest alternatives.
12. Challenge a friend: Start a friendly competition with a buddy or your children to see who can achieve their drinking target most frequently.