How often have you heard or read that you should drink 8-10 eight ounce glasses of water every day?
And with that, how many times have you totally ignored, discounted and shunned the very THOUGHT of it?
You’re NOT alone. A lot of people, myself included, find it cumbersome to drink water, especially that much water in one day.
But I’ve found out how to get my daily intake of water in and not dread it each time, and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you today.
Now what I need you to understand is that not everyone should drink 8-10 glasses of water daily but rather, you should pinpoint the amount YOU should consume, based on your weight.
It’s said that you wanna drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day and I believe if you implement the following tips you’ll be consuming that, or close to it, before you know it!
How to increase your daily water intake:
1. Eliminate all other beverages from your home for at least 7 days or longer. That way, when you get thirsty, there is nothing else to drink but water and you’re creating a new habit of drinking only (or mainly) water.
2. Try different types of water. Some people find that they prefer the taste of certain types of water (spring, distilled, reverse osmosis, etc.) than others. Experiment with different ones and find the one(s) you like best!
3. Infuse your water. Add fruit such as berries, oranges, watermelon, cucumber, etc. to a large pitcher or jar of water and allow it to sit for at least 2 hours, then enjoy.
There are also water infusers available if you prefer your water with the FLAVOR of the fruit, but not the particles from the fruit.
4. Drink herbal tea, as the water definitely counts towards your water intake.
5. Put a scoop or two of this organic, metabolism-boosting, appetite-suppressing tea into your bottle or favorite cup of water for a cold, delicious, refreshing, HEALTHY way to up your water intake.
6. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water when you first wake up in the morning. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I wake up my mouth is a bit dry. Before you consume any food or even drink (coffee, juice, etc.) go for a drink of water.
7. Snack on raw or sea-salted nuts or other (healthy) thirst-causing foods and when thirsty, reach for water
8. Squeeze juice of lemon, lime or orange into your glass of water and if you desire it sweet, add a little agave nectar (or other natural, unbleached/unrefined sweetener)
9. Drink water before and then after each meal try to get out of the habit of drinking DURING your meal (it dilutes digestive juices and hinders good digestion anyway) and instead, have a glass before eating (will aid in suppressing your appetite so you don’t overeat) and then drink a glass of water AFTER your meal. You should be good and thirsty then!
10. Exercise and when thirsty, reach for water
11. Determine whether you prefer your water room temperature or cold! Many times people who find it intolerable to drink room temp water may find it easier to consume cold and vice-versa…perhaps you may find it easier to guzzle down water if it’s not too cold.
12. Consume lots of juicy fruits and vegetables such as oranges, melons, grapes, iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, fresh whole coconut, etc. (Yes! The water contained in those fruits and veggies count!)
13. Use a 24 oz water bottle and refill it several times a day rather than trying to drink by the 8 oz. glassful
14. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water before going to bed at night
Incorporate those tips and, before long, you’ll be drinking more water and may even begin preferring water over anything else!
