We’ve all been told that the average person needs eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. It doesn’t sound like a lot. After all, in a 24-hour day that comes to only one 8-ounce glass every three hours. It seems reasonable until you realize that it’s 2:00 in the afternoon, you’re on your fourth cup of coffee and the only water you’ve had was to take your morning vitamins. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you get your daily water intake and aren’t chugging the H2O before bed.
Sparkling Water
If you think plain bottled water is the only way to fulfill the 8X8 recommendation, think again. Sparkling waters also count. With enough flavor combinations to keep boredom at bay, consider “fizzing” things up with a beverage that will feel more like an indulgence than a necessity.
DIY Daily Water
Adding some fruit to your water can give it a fresh and unique taste that will make hydrating more exciting. You can experiment with different infusions like lemon, cucumber, pineapple, strawberries, or whatever else you wish. Not only does it taste good, it also makes for a social media-worthy colorful beverage.
Eat Some Water
That’s right! Some fruits and veggies are packed with water. In fact, tomatoes are made up of around 94% water, and grapefruit 91%. If you’re bored of sipping room temperature water all day long mix it up with some watermelon, pineapple, or strawberries.
Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
Not only will this help you track your water intake, but it will also serve as a visual reminder for you to hydrate throughout the day. You might also find yourself saving some money as those pit stops for drinks at the gas station won’t be necessary anymore. Insulated water bottles are also a great way to keep refreshing thirst-quenchers on hand during the hot summer months, and warm soothing beverages nearby for when it gets cooler.
Drink a Glass of Water before Each Meal
People often confuse thirst for hunger, so drinking a glass of water before your meals will help you identify what you’re actually feeling. This has also been shown to encourage people to eat less because the water takes up space in the stomach, making it feel fuller.
Spice Up Your Food
No, this one isn’t sponsored by the Spice Girls, but we think they’d approve. Adding heat to your food is an almost surefire way to get you reaching for the water. You might also find yourself eating less because sipping water in between bites helps you feel satisfied faster.
Set a Timer
If you find yourself getting sidetracked throughout the day, set a reminder on your phone or computer to alert you when it’s time for some hydration. If you have a smartphone, you can also download a water tracker app to help you reach your daily 8X8 goal. Not only will this help you have a consistent water intake, but it can also help you form a healthy habit.
Drinking enough water has many benefits like boosting skin health, transporting oxygen throughout the body, regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and aiding in weight loss. Take advantage of these simple tips that will make dehydration a thing of the past.
AUTHOR BIO:
Raquel is a creative writer for Lipozene.com. She is passionate about giving people the tools and guidance to live their healthiest lifestyle. When she’s not helping people achieve weight loss success, you can find Raquel binging crime podcasts, traveling the globe, and exploring her native sunny San Diego.