Let’s face it, trying to find ways to drink more water can sometimes feel like a chore. But it doesn’t have to be that way! As someone who’s gone from barely sipping to being a hydration hero, I’m here to share some personal tricks that have transformed my water-drinking habits.
1. Drink Water First Thing in the Morning
Before my feet hit the floor, I’m downing a 16-ounce glass of water. It’s a natural wake-up call for the body, and with a slice of lemon added, it feels like a morning cleanse that’s said to fire up your metabolism by a nifty 24% for the next hour and a half.
2. Have a Glass After Every Bathroom Break
I’ve turned my trips to the bathroom into a reminder to hydrate. Post-pee, I gulp down another 8 ounces. It’s an easy way to keep the water coming and adds a few extra steps to my day.
3. Sip Before Every Meal
I’ve gotten into the habit of having a 12-ounce glass of water before diving into my meals. It’s a great appetite regulator and can slash the amount of food you eat by a good 13%.
4. Infuse Your Water With Flavor
I keep a pitcher in the fridge jazzed up with anything from strawberries to cucumber slices. Not only does it look enticing, but people (including myself) who infuse their water tend to drink an extra 3 cups a day.
5. Use Water for a Glowing Complexion
I aim to match half my body weight in ounces to keep my skin looking fresh. This little tip is dermatologist-approved for inner hydration, and it’s made a visible difference in my complexion.
6. Carry a Water Bottle Everywhere
My trusty 32-ounce water bottle is my constant companion. Refilling it twice a day has become second nature, and carrying a marked smart water bottle can lead you to drink more than 50% than you normally would.
7. Start Your Restaurant Experience With Water
Whenever I’m dining out, water is my first request. It’s a simple act that not only keeps me hydrated but can also help me eat up to 20% fewer calories by the end of the meal.
8. Alternate Alcoholic Drinks With Water
At parties, I follow the one-to-one rule—matching each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. It’s a savvy move that keeps the headaches at bay by fighting dehydration.
9. Invest in an Insulated Water Bottle
My water stays icy thanks to a bottle that keeps it chilled for a full day. It’s surprisingly effective for boosting metabolism a little, and who doesn’t love a cold sip on a hot day?
10. Mix Up Your Water Choices
I keep my palate entertained with still, sparkling, and occasionally a splash of juice in my water. Rotating types has almost doubled my daily intake because it keeps things interesting.
11. Replace Sugary Drinks With Water
By cutting out just one soda a day, I save about 150 calories, and it’s helped me gradually shed a few pounds. Plus, my energy levels are more stable without the sugar highs and crashes.
12. Keep a Bottle on Your Desk
With a bottle always at arm’s reach, I find myself sipping around 8 ounces every hour at work. That’s a good 64 ounces throughout the workday, which is almost all the water I need in a day!
13. Refill Your Glass as Soon as It’s Empty
This simple habit of refilling my glass as soon as it’s empty has upped my water intake by about 20%. It’s a small action with a big impact on staying hydrated.
14. Dilute Juices Gradually With Water
I started mixing my juices with water and have slowly increased the ratio. Now, I’m mostly drinking water with just a hint of juice, reducing my sugar intake and boosting hydration.
15. Increase Your Water Intake Gradually
By adding just an extra 4 ounces of water to my daily routine each week, I’ve managed to increase my overall water intake by 1.5 liters in a few months without feeling overwhelmed.
16. Make Fruity Ice Cubes
I freeze berries or citrus slices in my ice trays, making my water not only prettier but also infusing it with a dash of vitamin C. It’s a fun surprise that makes me want to drink more.
17. Create Your Own Water Flavors
This is my favorite way to drink more water. Experimenting with water flavors by mixing and matching fruits and herbs like kiwi and mint has encouraged me to double my water intake. It’s creative and tasty.
18. Keep Water Visible at All Times
A colorful glass or water bottle within my line of sight is my secret to drinking about 30% more water. It’s a visual nudge that I never ignore.
19. Follow a Cup of Coffee With Two Cups of Water
Balancing my caffeine intake with water has been tough but rewarding. I’ve halved my coffee consumption and doubled my water intake, which has done wonders for my hydration levels.
20. Make Your Own Ice Pops With Water and Fruit
Homemade fruit and water ice pops have become a household favorite, especially during the warmer months. It’s a delicious way to sneak in an extra 8 ounces of water.
21. Use a Water Tracking App
My hydration app reminds me to take a few sips every hour, which has helped me go from barely any water to over 80 ounces a day.
22. Choose Sparkling Water Over Soda
Swapping out my lunchtime soda for sparkling water has cut out an extra 140 calories daily. The bubbles make it feel like a treat without the extra sugar.
23. Eat Water-Rich Foods
Incorporating foods like watermelon and cucumber into my snacks provide an additional 2 cups of water on a good day, plus they’re far more satisfying than water alone.
24. Pair Salty Snacks With Water
Combining salty snacks with water helps me balance my sodium intake while staying hydrated, and it’s a tasty way to keep my energy up.
25. End Your Day With Warm Water
My evening ritual includes a cup of warm water with lemon, which not only contributes to my daily water goals but also aids in digestion.
26. Drink Herbal Tea for Hydration
I’ve replaced my afternoon coffee with a cup of herbal tea, which is a relaxing way to stay hydrated and helps me de-stress.
27. Strategically Place Water Bottles
Having a water bottle in each room, in my car, and in my gym bag means I’m never far from a drink, ensuring I get at least a gallon of water each day.
28. Stay Hydrated During Workouts
I make it a point to finish a 24-ounce bottle during my workouts, replacing every ounce of sweat with some good old H2O.
29. Drink More Water With a Straw
Using a straw, I’ve found that I unconsciously drink more throughout the day—about 25% more, in fact. It’s a simple tool that has a surprisingly big impact. Remember to clean the smart water bottle’s straw after your drinking.
30. Hydrate While You Wait for Coffee
The time it takes my coffee to brew is my cue to drink a 12-ounce glass of water. By the time my caffeine fix is ready, I’ve already gotten a head start on my water intake.
Final thoughts
There you have it—my go-to ways to drink more water, woven right into the fabric of my daily life. Just like my competitors tout, I too have found a sustainable stride in my hydration habits.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about meeting a daily goal; it’s about feeling awesome while doing it.
Grab your favorite smart water bottle, fill it up, and let’s raise a glass to our health, one sip at a time!