If you dislike drinking water, you are not alone. 75 percent of the United States is right there with you, avoiding the clear stuff that tastes like nothing.
But water is a life necessity and our bodies are made of up to 60 percent of water—we desperately need it. Nearly all of the major systems in your body depend on it. Mayo Clinic breaks down the 8 crucial functions of water in the body:
- Regulates body temperature
- Moistens tissues
- Helps prevent constipation
- Protects body organs and tissues
- Lubricates joints
- Helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them accessible to the body
- Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
- Lessens the burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products
If you dislike water, we are here to help you start drinking more water to better your overall health.
How to Drink More Water—And Like It!
Give it some taste
If you are bored by the taste (or lack thereof) of water, try infusing it! Make it more flavorful by adding refreshing slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, watermelon, ginger, grapefruit, berries, rosemary, basil, strawberry, mint, mango, pineapple…the possibilities and combinations are endless! Experiment until you find the perfect combo you love drinking.
Get creative with cubes
You can freeze fruit to double as sweeteners and ice cubes! Pair fruit and herbs like cucumber and basil or lemon and honey. Chop your ingredients of choice into small pieces and add them into your ice cube compartments and fill with water.
Eat foods full of water
You can find water in many different foods. Some great water-filled foods include apples, cucumbers, watermelons, carrots, cantaloupe, zucchini and bell peppers. Try adding these foods to your diet for some extra hydration!
Drink water at different temperatures
Take a moment to think about the drinks you enjoy drinking and about what temperature you prefer them. Do you enjoy drinking warm tea? You might like drinking warm water. Or maybe you prefer your water at room temperature or with lots of ice. Try drinking your water at different temperatures to see if you enjoy it more.
Get a water bottle you like
It may sound a little silly, but if you pick out a water bottle that you really like carrying around with you, the more water you will drink! Carry one around that is your favorite color, makes you laugh, matches your outfit, mood or is inspiring to help you drink up. Plus, sipping from a water bottle seems less daunting than pouring a huge glass of water and attempting to finish the whole thing.
If you dislike water, try using these tips and you may start to really like the stuff. And, you will reap the benefits by boosting your overall health and giving your skin a radiant glow!
