10 Ways to Increase Your Daily Water Intake

If you’re anything like me, running around like a mad woman downing mindless cups of caffeine in all varieties, all day, well, then you probably aren’t getting enough water either. So, I’m doing the only logical thing and making a point to drink more of it every day! Here are some tips on jumping on the water train, straight to hydration station!

1. Know that the eight glass rule isn’t necessarily for everyone. Weight and exercise also factor into how much you should drink a day so figure out how much water you need a day with this nifty water-drinking calculator!

2. Don’t feel like you have to start drinking dozens of glasses of water right off the bat, ease into it!

3. When you want to drink a soda, think about the pros and cons. What good is a soda for you? It’s full of Aspartame, unnatural sweeteners, dyes… who knows! Water on the other hand is something your body needs and flourishes from.

4. Make water accessible! Buy yourself a water purifying system (Heck, you can nab yourself a Brita at the grocery store!) so that way there is never an excuse not to pour yourself a glass.

5. To piggyback on making it accessible, plan ahead! If you know you’re going to be out and about all day or sitting for forever at a desk, pour yourself a bottle to-go so you’re prepared when thirst strikes.

6. Drinking water all day can get a little boring, so spice it up! Add some fruit to your next glass! A personal favorite of mine is to add cucumber. It’s refreshing and different and keeps my taste buds from yawning while keeping my body happy.

8. Add some incentive to drinking water by keeping it cold- cold water takes energy for your body to regulate the temperature and burns calories!

9. If none of these strike your fancy, set a timer! Depending on how much water you need to intake, you can anticipate needing to drink a glass every other hour, for example.

10. Get sneaky by eating water enriched foods like watermelon or tomatoes- both over 90 percent made of water not to mention delicious and healthy for you!

Water is the essence of life, don’t forget to make it a part of yours!

By Marissa Ross, Intent.com

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Renya S.

6:09AM PDT on Aug 1, 2011

good ideas, thank you!

send a green star

iii q.

6:47PM PDT on Jul 31, 2011

good tips! ty

Carol C.

4:04PM PDT on Apr 28, 2011

Thank you.

Esther H.

9:54AM PST on Jan 11, 2011

I'm 'lucky' when it comes to having a decent daily intake of water: it's one of the few drinks I really like. On top of that I only really drink from a bottle (I clean and reuse it, don't worry), which makes it easier to remember how much I've had. If I've only had two .5L bottles, I know I need one or two more.

BLABLA B.

1:28PM PDT on Aug 31, 2010

Very helpfull. Means a lot to me :D

Thanks!!

Kate M.

6:52AM PDT on Aug 24, 2010

The cucumber thing sounds delicious - can't wait to try it! Thanks

Doris M.

7:21AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

Hi again..I would like to add this to my use of the Brita filter...I always use the filtered water when I make coffee and if you try it too, you will notice the difference

7:12AM PDT on Aug 23, 2010

By just reading all the info that was provided it gave me a good reason to drink more water.I keep a pitcher of Brita in the refrig and in my estimation, it is better than bottled water. I especially liked the idea of a cucumber slice added to it....I sure will try that...I just never thought of that.....Thanks

Ann E.

7:50PM PDT on Aug 20, 2010

Thanks for the article- the calculator was especially helpful.

Rebecca G.

11:07PM PDT on Aug 7, 2010

Definitely going to try adding cucumber. Sounds yummy!