The past few months I have been trying to work on drinking more water. Here’s the deal y’all… I don’t like water. Bleh, I just don’t like it. I’ve always been a big drinker. Wink, wink – HA. I mean, I love coffee! And, if you’ve followed me for any amount of time you know this!
But I have been working hard on drinking more water.
Over the years, I’ve had friends who carry around their bottles of water. They are like superstars or something. I wish it came naturally to me to drink water… but it just doesn’t. Don’t tell anyone… but I’m a pop (or soda, or whatever you might call it in your part of the world) girl! It’s only been in the last year or two that I’ve stopped drinking pop and started drinking water. I’m simply not a fan of water. But when I need to be drinking more water and don’t, I end up with really bad headaches. If I start to get a headache, I know that I haven’t had enough water (or magnesium).
You may already be guzzling gallons of water a day – and if so, kudos to you!
But it just doesn’t come easily for me, so I had to figure out ways to start drinking more water each day. Today, I’m sharing 4 tips on what’s helping me drink more water. This post is for anyone who might be struggling with getting enough water. It’s made a big difference for me – I hope it will help you guys, too!
1. YOU NEED A GOOD WATER BOTTLE.
I know this is ridiculous, but I drink more if it’s in a pretty cup! I think everybody does that! But if I’m happy when I carry it around and look at it. My current favorite has our team name on it and has a handle! so it’s easy to hook around my finger and carry. I have quite a collection here!! I don’t like straws very often, but I’ve never really like them. Even when we go to a restaurant, I don’t prefer a straw. But by all means, if straws help you drink more – awesome, use them! I should mention… Aldi had some awesome water bottles too – even glass ones!
2. PUT SALT IN YOUR WATER.
It makes it taste so much better! You don’t need to add a ton. Just a pinch, maybe like an 1/8 of a teaspoon makes a huge difference. My current obsession is Pink Himalayan Sea Salt. Salt helps keep you hydrated and the water just tastes better! It doesn’t taste salty – it just tastes better!!! I also love Real Salt. Yes, if you use too much, you’ll taste it – but salt is flavor enhancer! Be sure to use good, high quality salt!
3. TRY DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE WATER YUMMY.
First up is Sparkling Water! I love the Bubly brand and LaCroix, but Aldi’s Pure Agua brand is awesome, too! These are all just water, carbonation, and natural flavors. In other words, just all natural ingredients and water. There are no sweeteners added to these! But some store brands to contain aspartame and artificial flavors, so be sure to check the labels. Don’t think that if you drink something that’s not 100% pure water, you’re going to water hell (forgive me for being so blunt). I totally count these toward my water intake. Side note: Target’s brand of sparkling water is also good – I like their Ginger Peach.
If you follow me on social media, you may have noticed that my water is often colored… that’s because I am totally addicted to Mio Water Drops (I put an Amazon link there, but they are probably cheaper at the grocery store). I use the drops with the green top, which means it is sweetened with Stevia. Since these have helped me to be better about drinking more water, I don’t feel bad about using them. At all. I had dumb rules in my head about what counts as water and what doesn’t. I just had to get over that! And yes, I know some people wouldn’t use this product because it has coloring in it. I wouldn’t necessarily feed it to my kids, but I am okay using it occasionally for myself. And win – I’ve been drinking more water since I like the way it tastes!
4. (ALMOST) ALL LIQUIDS COUNT
I use our amazing Berkey water filter for all of our drinking water. But I’ve learned that pure water is not all that counts. A nutritionist told me, it doesn’t mean you have to fill a gallon jug, sit it on the counter, and drink it all to get your water quota met! Many other things count as water in your day! I promise you’re “drinking” more water than you think you are. If you drink decaffeinated coffee or tea, it counts toward your intake! If you drink smoothies, kombucha, fresh juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, almond milk, decaf coffee, etc. – be sure to count the water in EVERYTHING.
Well, there you have it… my tips for drinking more water! What other suggestions do you have to add to this list?
Believe it or not, room temperature water is much easier to swallow. Colder water may be more refreshing to the palate but causes your throat to tighten a tad even as you gulp gratefully. Room temperature H2O feels like it is gently absorbed in your mouth even as it as it effortlessly enters you esophagus. Try it!
I did not know this! Thanks for taking the time to share, Sylvia.
Julie, Humorous Homemaking Team
Great article Stacy – How did you know I am struggling with this also? I really don’t care for plain water, thanks for the salt idea!
Here’s my tips:
Make sure your water bottle fits in the cup holder of your auto….
Use a straw esp. while driving so you always keep your eyes on the road…
Add lemon juice and some ice.
Eat salty food – it makes you thirsty and will make you drink more water!
I am so sorry for the late response to this wonderful comment! We’ve had an issue with SPAM eating all our juiciest comments!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share – I really appreciated the tip of eating salty food especially. That is so so true! Thanks again!
Julie, Humorous Homemaking Team
Hi, Stacy! Oh, my, am I the delinquent deluxe when it comes to drinking water. I absolutely detest it. So I also have to work on consuming more water. And I don’t think ANYTHING makes water taste better unless it’s iced or hot tea or lemonade. Having a good quality water bottle even when at home all day is helpful. It’s like a reminder standing sentry – hey, drink your water! I like Contigo, with a detachable washable straw. Using a bottle brush and hot soapy water is ideal to clean these including the lid, with it’s moveable spout and lid. A Norwex straw brush is perfect for cleaning the straw. As often as you drink and empty the whole bottle, wash it!
Thanks for all those great tips, Nancy! I’ll have to check out that Norwex straw brush for sure.
Julie, Humorous Homemaking Team