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If you're like most people, you probably don't drink enough water. In fact, about 75 percent of Americans don't get the recommended 8-10 glasses a day, according to doctors. And while the risks that come with chronic dehydration are severe—mental fog, toxin accrual and even death in very severe cases—with all the benefits of incorporating a steady stream of fluids into your day, it's a wonder why any motivation is needed at all! Staying properly hydrated means you'll enjoy a litany of healthy rewards, including more youthful skin, faster workout recovery, enhanced cognition, balanced weight, and the ability to keep literally every cell in your body in better shape. If you're ready to turn over a new leaf when it comes to drinking water, read on for five helpful hacks to make downing those extra ounces easier than ever.
1. Make a Spa Water
This trendy trick is often used at spas to help encourage guests to detoxify by— you guessed it—drinking more water! By adding slices of citrus, cucumber or fresh garden herbs like mint or basil to a large pitcher, “spa water” is essentially a fancy name for an infusion. As it sits, the water becomes enveloped with a hint of flavor of the added ingredients, making it more alluring to your taste buds. The best part: it's super easy to make at home (plus, it's fully customizable). Once you've added your favorite ingredients to your water, it usually takes about an hour for the flavors to infuse and fully flavor the liquid. After that, your “spa water” can be refrigerated and enjoyed for a day or two.
2. Motivate with Nutrition
Part of water's problem is that, well, it's just water. Although water is absolutely essential to your health, it's not very enticing because of its sheer lack of palatability. Fortunately, you can make it more exciting by adding bonus nutrition through the use of superfood powders. Add small amounts of your favorites directly into your water bottle, like goji berry powder, pomegranate juice powder or even a Superfood+ Blend. They won't really change the flavor much, but by making the mind feel like the beverage is “more valuable” (and in fact, it is), you're more apt to finish every last drop, while getting much-needed micronutrients at the same time.
3. Try Adding Bubbles
With its refreshing experience, carbonated water can excite your palate enough to make drinking water a habit you crave. Whether it's just plain water with added fizz or a flavored sparkling water, these drinks have soared in popularity as of late due to their enjoyably tingly mouth-feel and are good news to hydration-seekers. One caveat: carbonated drinks like sodas or ones with added or artificial sugars should be avoided due to sugar and chemical content. Stick to waters with or without natural flavorings whenever possible.
4. Use a Calibrated Canister
Are you a goal-oriented person? If so, you may want to consider keeping your water in a calibrated canister. What makes this method so attractive is you can measure your water intake extremely accurately, while setting short-term hydration marks to meet for the day. Try aiming to drink two of your 32-ounce canisters a day or make it a game by setting a target of 16 ounces every three hours. Regardless of how you “play,” aim to have an empty bottle before you go to bed!
5. Eat Fresh
Fruit and vegetables may not come in a cup, but they're incredible sources of naturally occurring, micronutrient-rich water. It may be hard to measure their water quantity by way of ounces, but eating more produce, in general, is a great way to ensure you meet your hydration needs and then some. Smoothies, low-sugar juices, teas—they all help, too. In other words: it all adds up!
Looking for a refreshing, superfood-boosted drink that's hydrating and delicious? Try this Goji Lemonade Recipe STAT!
