I know that you know you need water to live. There's no way you've made it this far in life without being lectured about how two-thirds of the body is water and that you need to drink eight glasses of H2O a day to stay healthy. But even with all that knowledge, many of us still struggle to stay hydrated! Why is this happening?
I've found that many people just don't particularly like water. I'm personally a big fan of a cool glass of aqua, but I get it. Water isn't the most exciting beverage out there. Still, as a doctor, I have to remind you that it's really important that you make an effort to increase your water intake. So how do you do that? These are my favorite hacks for incorporating more H2O into your day and for making water more enjoyable.
The Case for Water
Don't worry. I won't ramble on for too long about water. We already established that you probably know how essential it is, but I do want to take a second to explain why it's in your best interest to make some adjustments to what you're drinking. Here are several of the many perks you can expect when you start drinking more water:
· Improved energy and performance
· Better skin
· Better mood
· More regular digestion
· Improved weight loss outcomes
· Healthier kidneys
· Clearer thinking
· Enhanced immune system
Take It Slow
If you're someone who doesn't care for water, you don't have to force a gallon of the stuff down your throat every morning. Even adding one or two cups of water to your daily routine will start to make a difference. And as your body adapts to drinking water, you may find that you enjoy it more. From here, you can increase the volume of H2O that you consume over a manageable length of time.
Alternate Beverages
When it's hard to ditch coffee or soda, I encourage people to alternate sipping between their preferred beverage and a glass of water.
Add Carbonation
One of the things people frequently grumble about water is that it's boring! I suggest trying bubbly water. You can buy carbonated H2O at the store, or you can pick up a carbonation machine so you can do it yourself. It will give your drink an extra kick.
Introduce Flavor
Another fun way to make water more appealing is to incorporate flavor. There are flavor drops and packets that are specifically designed to enhance the taste of water, or you could simply drop some fresh fruit into your drink for natural yumminess.
Download an App
There's an app for everything these days! Check out your app store and look for a water tracker that will motivate you to stay on target with your goals. Whether you need one that sends you push notification reminders, or you want one that allows you to challenge your friends and make a game out of it, you'll find something to suit your personality.
Eat It
There are tons of food with a high water content that can help hydrate your body. Watermelon, cucumbers, celery, apples, and oranges are just a few of the many options you have for eating part of your daily water intake.
If you like these water-wise hacks, there's plenty more where that came from! I love sharing practical health advice, so come back soon for more tips from your friend – Dr. G!
The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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