Written by Mia Davis
Drinking water should come naturally; after all, we’ve been doing it since the first time our moms gave it to us in a Sippy cup. And yet, many of us grow up and seem to lose the habit of drinking water regularly somewhere along the way. We start noticing that our clothes don’t fit us anymore, and then we are given a baffling piece of information: we are retaining water and, as such, gaining weight.
A few years ago, I was told my body was retaining about a gallon of water. At the time, that sounded ridiculous, but as it turns out, it makes more sense than I thought. When we don’t drink enough water, our bodies start making reserves. That’s how you can end up like me, wondering how to squeeze all that water out.
Well, you can’t. Still, if you start drinking enough water, you will slowly begin to eliminate all that extra weight. But what if you don’t like drinking so much water? Or you simply have a crazy schedule and forget to drink as much as you’re supposed to. Not to mention, if you have a busy day of running around town doing errands, you cannot exactly stop every ten minutes to use the toilet. Because, as expected, all that water has to make its way out.
Water is essential for many reasons, not just to stop your rings from digging into your fingers. Staying hydrated is crucial for your health in general. But if drinking plenty of water doesn’t come naturally, you need a few tricks to help you get on the right track.
Here is a list of ten easy ways to start drinking more water even if you don’t particularly like it. Since it will improve your health and also help you lose weight, it’s worth giving it a try.
1. Start Your Day With a Glass of Water
If you’re like me, your first thought when you wake up in the morning probably is a silent scream for a large cup of coffee. But it turns out, that’s not what we should drink. A glass of water is the best way to start your day and to wake your body. It will rehydrate you after those hours when you didn’t drink anything, and even if you don’t realize it, you will see the benefits soon enough.
That glass of water will wake your digestive tract, and it will send those toxins you have accumulated on their way to… well, a dark place. Some experts recommend up to three glasses on an empty stomach, but if that’s too much, one will still be a significant improvement.
You could also try warming out the water and adding some fresh lemon juice and a bit of honey. I tried that as part of the 90-day diet, and while I’m not really sure how much it helped, at least it tasted nice.
2. Water as a Snack
Snacking is a real enemy of your diet, and it tends to strike forcefully and at your weakest moments. But the truth is, many times, we are merely misinterpreting the signals our body sends. We think we’re hungry and immediately go to that mental library of delicious snacks to find the one that would make us happy. However, thirst was the real signal, but it wasn’t obvious enough, and we got the wrong idea.
Or, if that reasoning didn’t convince you, just drink some water to see if the hunger goes away. From my experience, it usually does, even if it will feel like the saddest snack you’ve ever had.
3. Tea for Me, Please!
If you like tea, a steamy cup can be a great way of hydrating yourself and even have a relaxing moment. I’m not a huge fan of drinking plain water, glass after glass. I’m still not used to it, and it feels like a burden. But tea, I like. Somehow, it seems easier to drink a warm fluid with a bit of flavor, even a large mug. Actually, the mug I use is enormous, and I still drink it all without feeling like such an effort.
It can be herbal tea or any type you want; so many are available that you will definitely find one to fit your taste. Rooibos tea, for instance, is sweet and comforting. Or a mint tea with a bit of lemon can also feel a bit like a treat.
4. Keep a Water Bottle Around
One of the easiest ways to drink more water is always to have it available. Even if you are busy and get distracted from your hydration goal, you’ll drink more than usual when you see the bottle right in front of you.
To make things more exciting, you can choose a cool water bottle; it’s a fun way of monitoring your water intake. If you want to take things to the next level, you can even get a fancy high-tech water bottle.
Whatever type of container you prefer, it will be a constant reminder that you haven’t finished your water yet. In time, it will become a reflex.
5. Drink a Glass of Water at Certain Points During the Day
Ok, so you’ve started your day with a glass of water. But when exactly should you drink the next ones? It can really be any time you feel thirsty or remember you haven’t had any water over the last hour. But when drinking water for weight loss, it helps if you keep in mind that certain moments during the day are crucial.
For instance, one of the best water drinking tips is to have a glass about 30 minutes before every meal. If you plan to have a snack, drink some water before that as well. That way, you are unlikely to eat more than you really need, and it will also improve your digestion.
If your daily schedule includes a workout, make sure to drink water both before and after exercising. While you may not be sure when to drink water for the rest of the day, this one is a no-brainer. The physical effort needs additional water intake, and your body will send you clear signals this time.
There are two other essential moments when you need to drink at least a glass of water: before taking a bath and going to sleep. Just like morning water, these glasses will genuinely make a difference in your internal balance. Your blood pressure will stay on a reasonable level, and you will stay hydrated during the night.
Sure, in some cases, it will mean interrupting a nice dream for one or two trips to the bathroom, but it will be worth it. Results won’t be evident after the first day, but in time you will see the wonders of water throughout the day.
6. Set Your Phone to Remind You
Let’s face it, we set our phones to remind us of many things, so why not include drinking water as well? It will probably only be for a week until you get used to it, and it becomes a habit. Even if it’s a bit annoying at first, knowing you are using water for weight loss will be that extra incentive to keep you motivated.
7. There’s an App for that, too
There are many apps, actually. If you think setting a reminder on your phone isn’t sufficient or cool enough, try an app. You have many options available, both for iPhone and Android, and they are handy and fun to use.
Not only will such an app keep track of the water you drink, but it can also help you set the ideal goal for your particular situation. Some of them are free, so all you have to do is download it and start tracking your water.
8. Add Some Flavor
Plain water isn’t always that appealing, but you can do things to make it tastier. You can add some flavor by slicing some fruits or cucumber and adding it to your glass. Pineapple water, for example, is quite delicious.
In general, it’s better to avoid adding sugar because that won’t help you lose weight. But fruits are a great help in keeping your motivation to drink water at a high level.
9. Set Goals and Rewards
If your goal is to lose weight, you need a lot of ambition. And if you’re not exactly used to drinking a lot of water, it won’t happen overnight. But it helps to set goals and promise yourself an attractive reward when you reach every level. Of course, if you’re watching your weight, that reward cannot be chocolate (harsh, I know…). But surely there are many little things you can tempt yourself with without endangering your diet.
10.Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Count, too
Water doesn’t necessarily have to be in a glass to be part of your daily intake. You also get it from fruits and vegetables. If you choose the right ones, you will find they are about 90% water, not to mention a beneficial addition to your daily menu.
Not convinced yet? Here are just a few examples of fruits and vegetables that are over 90% water: cucumbers, watermelons, grapefruits, cantaloupes, spinach, and, as much as I hate to admit it, broccoli.
There are many others that you can add to the list. And if you consider them when you’re making your grocery list, you will improve your water intake in an easy, delicious and healthy way.
End the Struggle
Drinking water when you aren’t used to so many glasses every day is a bit tricky at first. But these ten tips actually make a difference. As you start paying attention to this aspect, you may even find other ways to increase your water intake, some that fit you better.
The bottom line is there are so many reasons to drink water, from staying healthy and having beautiful skin to the so valuable weight loss. But sudden changes rarely work, so don’t rush into it because that way, the result is less likely to last. Start drinking a bit more every day, and you will notice the benefits soon enough.
You don’t need to go to extremes and try a water-only diet; it’s better to gain a new healthy habit and start drinking more water regularly. Don’t concern yourself with reaching a certain quantity; not everybody needs the same amount of water every day. But drink more than you did before, and you will like the results.