Here’s your chance to reset those old habits and up your water intake, starting now. And remember: The goal isn’t to be perfect every day. Don’t worry if you come up short of your drinking goal occasionally. It happens. Focus on working towards consistency, so you’re drinking more water more often. To help you on this hydration journey, here are six fast and easy ways to drink more water. Cheers to H20!
Upgrade your bottle.
Staying hydrated starts with having a bottle on hand that you’ll actually enjoy using and toting around with you. A new insulated bottle in a color that makes you smile (dark cobalt, jade, terra cotta, for example) is just the product you need to help you drink more water every day. It’s made even better if it’s easy-to-close, leakproof, and comes with a wide-mouth option, handled lid, or an attached straw.
Make it fruity.
If you find water boring, why not try to experiment with the taste? Many people don’t love plain water—but they’ll jump at the chance for some that’s flavored with cucumber, strawberries, or lemon. Slice your favorite fruits into small pieces (keep them in tightly sealed containers for maximum freshness) and then pop a few in your new water bottle before you fill it. As you sip throughout the day, the fruit inside will infuse the drink, making it tastier.
Let tech be your guide.
Yup, there are free apps (like AquaAlert) to help you stay hydrated. Just enter your current weight or the water goal you want to achieve each day, and then the app calculates the amount of water you need to drink per hour as well as sends little reminders during the day when it’s time to take a swig.
Don’t wait to drink.
According to experts(Opens in a new window), if you feel a little thirsty you’re already behind on your water intake and may actually be mildly dehydrated, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. To avoid this, make a point of drinking water before you think you need to. By enjoying water throughout the day, you’ll keep your body hydrated and feeling good.
Customize your container.
Maybe your sister loves drinking with a straw, but when you do it the cold stream hits a sensitive tooth. For others, the taste of metal sends shivers down their spine. Truth: If the bottle you drink from is comfortable for your mouth, odds are you’ll drink more and stay hydrated. Luckily, there are tons of preferences on the market, from classic leak-proof tops for hot beverages to straw lids that fit any standard-size bottle. With sipping options for just about any preference, there’s no excuse to ever go thirsty.
You are what you eat (and drink) after all! Learn how The Makerista stays hydrated every day (hint: the secret is citrus).