Livestrong - Dare to Drink More Water

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts)
May 21st 2009 5:00PM

It seems like such a simple, small step: Drink more water. But it's often a difficult one for people -- people who might be kinda fond of their soda addiction, for instance. But being properly hydrated really is an important part of being fit.

For one, water quenches your thirst, making you less likely to reach for that soft drink. And as they're saying over at Livestrong, where more than 11,000 members have dared to sip more H2O, water also helps flush away toxins and replenish muscles. And since being even mildly dehydrated can make you tired and headache-y, drinking plenty of water can ensure you have enough energy for your workout every day.

For a lot of people, though, drinking plain water gets boring. But as the commenters over at Livestrong are quick to point out, adding natural flavors to water not only keeps things interesting, but fruits and veggies can boost nutrition too. Here are some quick and healthy ideas for putting some splash into your next glass of water.

Try adding:

cucumber slices
fresh squeezed lemon
mint
sliced strawberries
watermelon chunks
frozen grapes
lemon grass
ginger (to boiling water to make a tea)

What about you? Do you prefer plain water, or do you have tips for us on how you make your daily water intake more interesting?

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Comments (9)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Takyia Skinner 5-21-2009 @ 8:17PM

Personnaly I hate water, It's a big fight to make me drink water, and I am a grown woman. I have been trying harder. So I have tried, using crystal light. Is it more harm?I have noticed more health problems that I know I shouldn't have,for instance constapation.

carol 5-22-2009 @ 12:52AM

Great ideas. Must admit - I usually battle to drink enough water but that peach in the water looks positively inviting! I stumbled across this article about drinking sodas (http://optimalbodyweight.com/blog/weight-loss-tips/stop-drinking-sugar-sweetened-drinks-and-start-losing-weight), which explains very nicely why I battle to lose weight. So I am desperately trying to move to water. Thank you again.

Dawn Allred 5-22-2009 @ 1:35AM

http://dawnallred.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/cook-yourself-thin-with-lifetime-television/

Anytime I go to a spa where they add cucumbers and orange slices to the water I ask myself why I don't do this at home! It is such a delicious drink and couldn't be more simple. The new book "Cook Yourself Thin" is full of little suggestions like that. Check it out.

Cheers!
Dawn
http://www.SeducingMrRight.com

deadharbor 5-22-2009 @ 9:53AM

What if someone doesn't like vegetables and I boil them and make them drink the water. Do they still get part of the nutrients?

psychologist 5-22-2009 @ 1:01PM

Drink more water!?

If I take in any more water I am going to float! what's up with all this trend to constantly drink more water?

http://www.allaboutpsychology.net/Famous-Psychologist.php

Chelsea 5-22-2009 @ 1:42PM

I just add a few drops of Real Lime juice to ice cold water, it's been really helpful in cutting back my soda intake.

Donna Kaluzniak 6-24-2009 @ 10:51PM

I do get headaches if I don't drink enough, especially after exercise. Water is the best remedy. But unless I'm really thirsty, plain water is kind of boring.

http://www.logicalecology.wordpress.com

jjb 7-29-2009 @ 10:23AM

i am curious if using crystal light defeats the purpose of drinking water --- doesn't it have aspartame? so, is it any better than diet soda?

as for water suggestions - i like to get perrier / san pelegrino so i feel like i'm having a soda.

Dan Cosgrove 7-29-2009 @ 5:58PM

Interesting ideas. I remember when I worked at a pub in high school, I'd put a shot of margarita mix (essentially lemon at the time) into a pint of water. Ultra-refreshing.