Tips to Drink More Water
By Elizabeth Dubos
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional, nor a medical provider.
Drinking water is essential – it’s a key nutrient that your body needs. It’s highly recommended that people should follow the 8x8 rule: 8 glasses (or ounces) 8 times a day, or 64 ounces a day total. Drinking water has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. For example, it physically improves your immune system, metabolism, energy level, brain function, bowel function, and decreases your chances of headaches and ache. In terms of mental health, water aids in improved concentration, cognition, stress reduction, and balancing your emotions. If you’re looking for more information on the benefits of drinking water, I’ll include a few links below.
Unfortunately, people come up with various excuses for not drinking water, like, “I just forget to drink,” “it makes me retain fluid,” “I need the pep from caffeine,” “I don’t like the taste,” or “it makes me pee too much.” On the plus side, there are a few solutions for drinking more water.
1. Reusable water bottles. They’re great for you and the environment! I would recommend purchasing a reusable water bottle that has ounces labeled on the side – this is a great way to track your water consumption and save the planet! Plus, it’s easier to travel with one reusable water bottle than multiple plastic water bottles. You can purchase an affordable reusable water bottle from Target, Walmart, or Amazon. My favorite brand is Contigo because they come in different colors and sizes. I have a small one for everyday use and a large one for when I’m working out.
2. Natural flavors. You can add lemons, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, mint leaves, and other natural flavorings to enhance taste. If you’re looking for water flavored recipes, then I would recommend checking out Pinterest. I would stay away from store bought water packets, however, because they are filled with sugar and preservatives. Try to keep it all-natural for your body.
3. Drink water when eating. Drinking water during mealtimes is beneficial because it improves your digestion. This helps decrease bloating and makes you feel fuller. If you drink one 16oz with every meal and a snack, you’ll easily hit the 64oz mark.
4. Track your water consumption. When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to lose track of how much or how little water you’re drinking. You can track your water consumption with a pen and paper or an app like Daily Water Free or Daily Water. A water consumption tracker will help you pace yourself throughout the day.
5. Brita water filter. What do you do if you don’t like flavored water or tap water? Purchase a Brita! Brita filters help remove chlorine taste and odor. Plus, they remove 99% of lead! This allows for a fresher water taste. Brita filters comes in various colors and sizes. You can purchase them from Amazon, Target, or Walmart. A Brita water filter is economical because you won’t be spending money on numerous amounts of water bottles.
For more information, take a look at these websites:
‘6 Reasons to Drink Water’ By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1
‘Water & Nutrition’ By the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html
‘Why is Water Important? 16 Reasons to Drink Up’ By Natalie Silver, RD, LD. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important
By Elizabeth Dubos
Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare professional, nor a medical provider.
Drinking water is essential – it’s a key nutrient that your body needs. It’s highly recommended that people should follow the 8x8 rule: 8 glasses (or ounces) 8 times a day, or 64 ounces a day total. Drinking water has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health. For example, it physically improves your immune system, metabolism, energy level, brain function, bowel function, and decreases your chances of headaches and ache. In terms of mental health, water aids in improved concentration, cognition, stress reduction, and balancing your emotions. If you’re looking for more information on the benefits of drinking water, I’ll include a few links below.
Unfortunately, people come up with various excuses for not drinking water, like, “I just forget to drink,” “it makes me retain fluid,” “I need the pep from caffeine,” “I don’t like the taste,” or “it makes me pee too much.” On the plus side, there are a few solutions for drinking more water.
1. Reusable water bottles. They’re great for you and the environment! I would recommend purchasing a reusable water bottle that has ounces labeled on the side – this is a great way to track your water consumption and save the planet! Plus, it’s easier to travel with one reusable water bottle than multiple plastic water bottles. You can purchase an affordable reusable water bottle from Target, Walmart, or Amazon. My favorite brand is Contigo because they come in different colors and sizes. I have a small one for everyday use and a large one for when I’m working out.
2. Natural flavors. You can add lemons, cucumbers, strawberries, oranges, mint leaves, and other natural flavorings to enhance taste. If you’re looking for water flavored recipes, then I would recommend checking out Pinterest. I would stay away from store bought water packets, however, because they are filled with sugar and preservatives. Try to keep it all-natural for your body.
3. Drink water when eating. Drinking water during mealtimes is beneficial because it improves your digestion. This helps decrease bloating and makes you feel fuller. If you drink one 16oz with every meal and a snack, you’ll easily hit the 64oz mark.
4. Track your water consumption. When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to lose track of how much or how little water you’re drinking. You can track your water consumption with a pen and paper or an app like Daily Water Free or Daily Water. A water consumption tracker will help you pace yourself throughout the day.
5. Brita water filter. What do you do if you don’t like flavored water or tap water? Purchase a Brita! Brita filters help remove chlorine taste and odor. Plus, they remove 99% of lead! This allows for a fresher water taste. Brita filters comes in various colors and sizes. You can purchase them from Amazon, Target, or Walmart. A Brita water filter is economical because you won’t be spending money on numerous amounts of water bottles.
For more information, take a look at these websites:
‘6 Reasons to Drink Water’ By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#1
‘Water & Nutrition’ By the CDC.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html
‘Why is Water Important? 16 Reasons to Drink Up’ By Natalie Silver, RD, LD. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/why-is-water-important
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