We all know how important water is for our bodies. Apart from survival and basic functioning, water has a plethora of benefits. Want clear skin? Drink more water. Want to lose weight? Drink enough water to support your weight loss efforts. Want good gut health? Drink more water to facilitate optimum bowel movements. A 100 problems and the solution will be staying hydrated.
Sadly, as much as we know how crucial drinking water is for our survival and well-being, we do not give enough attention to water intake. We just drink it 5-6 times a day only when we feel thirsty.
While thirst is a sign from the body you need water, you need it more than your body asks of you. Irrespective of whether you feel thirsty or not, you should drink water. This blog will discuss a few tips that can help you increase your water intake. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Helpful tips to drink more water throughout the day
Keep a reusable water bottle in front of you
Whether you’re in the office, at home or in the car, it is suggested that you keep a water bottle in front of you at all times of the day. Doing so would eliminate the need to get up to fetch water, and for you to procrastinate the same if you feel lazy. Having a water bottle in front of you will also serve as a reminder to drink more water.
Set timers to drink water
When you have technology at your disposal, why not use it for your benefit? This time, you could use it to increase your water intake. You could consider setting reminders and timers throughout the day. Aim to set a reminder every hour to drink a glass of water.
Eat fruits and veggies that keep you hydrated
Feeling hungry? Instead of going for a bag of chips and cookies, eat fruits and veggies that have rich water content. Certain fruits and veggies can support your goal of staying hydrated. These fruits include melon, watermelon, apple, pineapple, cucumber, lettuce, strawberry, and pineapples, to name a few.
Make it a goal to have at least 3 fruits a day to keep yourself hydrated all day long.
Drink flavoured drinking water
If you’re someone who cherishes variation and would love the idea of adding flavour to water, you might as well try flavoured drinks and cold beverages. Now, there are plenty of water flavours available in the market, but they are in the form of powder and may contain added sugar and additives that may harm your health. Instead, you can make your own flavoured drinking water at home using cucumbers, lemons, oranges and apples. Increase the nutritional value of water with these healthy additions.
Always drink a glass of water before each meal
Drinking water before each meal won’t only support your hydration goals, but also help in your weight loss journey. Taking a glass of water before each meal can keep you full so that you don’t binge on food. It’s also a good idea to drink a glass of water every time you’re eating junk food. It will prevent you from overeating unhealthy food.
Drink two glasses of water when you wake up
Wish to start your day the healthy way? Drinking two glasses of water is a good way to go about it. Doing so will keep you hydrated and flush out toxins from the body. It can also keep you alert so that you about your morning tasks without being lethargic or sleepy.
Be mindful of your alcohol intake
If you’re planning to stay hydrated, consider alcohol to be a roadblock in the way. In simple words, alcohol can cause dehydration.
Remember, alcohol is a diuretic, a drug that causes frequent urination. Hence, drinking alcohol can make you lose important fluids and electrolytes.
Try to limit your alcohol intake to not more than a drink. It’s best you drink alcohol not more than thrice a week.
Drink herbal teas
Like fruits, drinking herbal teas is another nutritious way of supporting your hydration goals. Consider drinking herbal teas like green tea or chamomile tea to increase your water intake throughout the day. They are rich in antioxidants which may be beneficial for your health.
How much water to drink in a day?
Dehydration is dangerous for the body. Hence, it is vital to stay hydrated at all times. But how much water to drink in a day? Well, there’s no fixed number but you must aim to drink at least 2.5-3.5 litres of water every day.
Closing thoughts
You may regret eating processed food, but remember, drinking adequate water would never be a regret you have to struggle with. With these tips provided above, you can easily increase your water intake. Trust us, your body will thank you for this step. While you are at it, remember that drinking adequate water just once or twice a week won’t do. Consistency is the key. You won’t see results unless you are consistent.
