One of my tasks in my weight loss journey was to start to drink more water. I used to drink very little water and a lot of Coke. If it wasn’t water it was coffee. While I have known for years that this is not the healthiest option, I was only recently ready for the change.
- Prevent dehydration
- Promote healthy organ function
- Keep your muscles energised
- To keep your skin looking good.
- Probably a million other reasons…
So really there is no reason to not drink it unless you’re sticking to the age-old “Fish F*uck in it” excuse.
My entire life I have been told that a person needs to drink 8 – 8oz glasses or 64 oz a day. While that is a good start, it is not necessarily enough. Doctors are now recommending half your body weight (in pounds to oz) to be more accurate.
Your Weight in LBS/2 = oz recommended in a day.
So if you weigh 200 lbs you need drink 100 oz of water. Not the commonly heard 64 oz. I, weighing in much higher than I should need to drink about 100 oz, nearly double what I thought.
Easier said than done – shocking I know – Increasing your water intake isn’t necessarily as simple as it would seem. Especially when you’ve been surviving on caffeine filled drinks to get you through the days. So I compiled this list of tips and tricks to make it easier.
Start Slow
Start by gradually increasing the amount of water you drink in a day. Add another 1/2 glass or glass a day until you reach your daily goal.
Drink the water you like
I don’t care what anyone says there is the difference between waters. Find one you like and drink that one.
Add some flavour with fruit or herbs
The amount of water infusion recipes you can find is literally endless.
Try different types of water
Mineral, spring, sparkling, there is a water out there for everyone.
Use a water filter
This will save money over bottled water, and in some cases taste buds over tap water.
Buy a new cup or bottle
Having a fun bottle or cup to use might make it easier.
Use a marked water bottle for easy tracking
Either having time marked on it, or even just OZ can help.
Drink at least 1/2 a glass before every meal
If you can, make it a full glass. Either way, this will also help prevent you from overeating.
Track it with an App
I personally use my Fitbit App but there are others out there.
Set a reminder
If the App doesn’t remind you then try just setting hourly reminders on your phone or watch.
Keep your cup handy
Keep it with you always
Use a straw
I drink way more water when using a straw, compared to just a glass.
I can absolutely do this! I now drink an average of 4L of water a day. It is harder when I drink other things during the day but I still manage to get it done.
I do seem to spend an absurd amount of time in the bathroom these days though.
What are some of your tips and tricks to drink more water?