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5 Easy Tips to Help You Drink More Water
We hear all the time how important it is to drink water, but do you really know why? How much water should you drink? And how can you successfully drink enough water in your day when you’re busy and don’t think about it? Read on below to finally have some answers and solutions!
Why drink water?
Water performs various functions in the body, such as regulating body temperature and blood pressure, promoting blood circulation, eliminating waste and preventing constipation. Not drinking enough can result in a lack of energy, headaches, and lead to weight gain over time.
Do you need to drink two liters (8 glasses) of water per day?
Water requirements depend on a variety of factors including your body weight and level of physical activity. Thus, your needs may be more or less than two liters per day. It should be noted that other beverages, such as tea and coffee in moderate amounts (4 cups or less per day), are also good hydration options. To make sure that you’re well hydrated, drink sips of fluid regularly during the day and aim for clear urine at all times.
If you have trouble drinking enough water, here are 5 tips to help you:
1) Find a bottle that you like
It is worth it to invest in a beautiful reusable bottle that will encourage you to drink more water and will be convenient to use. Then, you’ll just need to adopt the habit of bringing it everywhere you go: in the car, to your meetings, at the gym, etc.
2) Schedule a reminder
It’s easy to forget to drink when we are not used to it. To develop this habit, set an alarm on your phone at a regular frequency, for example every hour. There are also several phone apps designed to help you increase your water intake, such as Daily Water- Drink Reminder and Plant Nanny. Also, be sure to always have a drink or bottle of water close to you and in sight.
3) Start drinking when you wake up
If you wait to be dehydrated, it will be harder to bounce back afterwards. Drinking a large glass of water when you wake up will allow you to start your day on the right foot. Drinking a little water before each meal and snack can also help you stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight. In fact, when we are dehydrated, we can confuse hunger with thirst, which can lead to overeating. In addition, liquids occupy volume in the stomach and contribute to feeling full.
4) Pair hydration with another habit
When you’re busy at work, it can be hard to think about drinking. One trick is to identify a task that you do several times in your day and to try to drink water every time you perform this task. This can be, for example, before each meeting, when you make photocopies or a phone call, or when you go to the bathroom.
5) Flavour your water
If you do not like the taste of water, try to flavour it or infuse it with fruits and vegetables such as sliced lemon, lime, oranges, or cucumbers, or with herbs such as mint.
Why not try our cucumber water recipe?
Author
Kathryn holds a Bachelor Degree in Nutrition as well as a Bachelor and a Master Degree in Kinesiology, all from Laval University. She is a Registered Dietitian and active member of the Ordre professionnel des Diététistes Nutritionnistes du Québec (ODNQ) and of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She holds the Monash University's certification for the FODMAP diet and IBS, and has considerable clinical experience in that area. She is also an accomplished athlete, having ran track and cross-country at a national level. Kathryn specializes in sports nutrition, weight loss, diabetes, as well as heart and gastrointestinal health.
I carry a thermos with a built-in rubber straw filled with ice cubes and refill with water throughout the day.
Hi Paulette,
Thanks for sharing your trick!