Our bodies are comprised mostly of water, so it probably comes as no surprise that we need to drink water on a daily basis. Water not only keeps our internal organs hydrated and healthy, it can also improve the appearance of our skin. But if you're not a big fan of water, getting the recommended eight glasses a day can be challenging. Fortunately, there are several ways to add more water into your diet without even trying.
If you don't like the taste of water, get creative and add a little something-something to your glass. For example, you can cut up fresh fruit, such as blueberries, strawberries and kiwi and add these to a pitcher of water. The natural flavor of the fruit gives the water a flavor boost, making it easier to drink. You can also add vegetables like cucumber for added flavor.
Caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee and tea act as a diuretic, which causes increased urination. This diuretic effect causes your body to lose water, which can lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Decrease the amount of caffeine you drink every day, and you can add more water back into your diet.
If you're a big tea or juice drinker, you can add more water into your diet by diluting these beverages with water. Rather than pour an 8-ounce glass of juice, pour 4 ounces, and then add 4 ounces of water. Use this trick every time you pour a drink and you'll increase your daily water intake without trying.
If you're going out for happy hour and getting a cocktail, make sure you order a glass of water with your beverage. Alcohol also has a diuretic effect, but drinking water with your cocktail can prevent dehydration. Water also slows the absorption of alcohol.
Eating hot or spicy foods is another clever trick for adding more water into your diet. After eating something spicy, tea or juice doesn't always provide relief, but water does. And if you reach for soda or another carbonated beverage, this can intensify mouth burning. Water is the cure all in this situation.
Choose water-rich foods if you need to add more water into your diet. Several fruits and vegetables have a high water content. These include strawberries, watermelons, grapefruit, cantaloupe, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, spinach and celery. Plan meals around these items to increase your daily water intake.
I once read that we typically drink more when using a straw. I don't know if there's any truth behind this statement, but it's worth a shot. Grab a glass or cup and drink through a straw and see if you drink more water than sipping directly from the glass.
Drinking water can be a challenge, especially if you prefer beverages with flavor. But there's no denying the health benefits of adding more water into your diet. So if you can't remember the last time you downed a glass, the above tips might be just what you need. What are other sneaky ways to increase your water intake?