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    Home » Wellness Tips » Healthy Living Tips

    How To Drink More Water When You Hate It

    Pinterest image with text: two images of jars with infused water
    Pinterest image with text: multiple mason jars with fruit infused water

    You know you need to drink more water but you just can't seem to make it work? With so many benefits, avoiding water just isn't an option when it comes to overall health. These easy tips are going to teach you how to drink more water even when you hate it!

    I have an advertisement relationship with the ads in this post. Check out my disclaimer here
    Pinterest image with text: multiple mason jars with fruit infused water

    Being well hydrated plays a role in your digestion, hunger, mental clarity, mood, and skin... and that's just to name a few! the benefits of water are endless given that every cell in our body needs it to thrive.

    And though taking in fluids in general is important, when it comes to our health or weight loss, we truly just need more basic water. If you truly hate water and can't seem to get it in, these hacks will help.

    How Much Water Should I Drink Each Day?

    As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I tell clients to consume roughly 2-2.5L of water per day (or .66 gallons) in addition to what they take in with food (here's how to convert oz to gallons FYI).

    Between sugary soft drinks, crazy coffees, and lack of quality food, many people aren't even close. Most people are deceived into thinking they're hydrated when they're not (a main reason why my daughters don't drink juice boxes).

    Subtle signs like poor skin, fatigue, irregular bowels, and headaches all signify a lack of hydration. However, most people just accept them as part of their day and move on. Learning to drink more water can be a turning point once you get into it.

    How To Drink More Water When You Hate It

    Use the tips below to help you drink more water throughout the day and reap the benefits of better skin, energy, digestion, and clarity.

    If you can, pick 2-3 of the systems below and implement them ASAP. It takes a solid few weeks to change a habit or create a new one, so give it time and really muster through.

    Keep water nearby always

    This sounds too practical to be advice.

    If you leave your house- bring a water bottle.

    If you're watching TV- have a glass on the table.

    If you're working, have a bottle on your desk.

    Just making it accessible makes you more likely to sip on it. I actually love these big water bottles so that I don't have to keep filling them. I fill it for the morning and then it goes with me EVERYWHERE.

    Woman holding a blue water bottle at her desk while writing.

    Buy a fancy water bottle

    For some reason, having a bright, colorful, nice bottle on the side of the desk makes people more prone to drinking water at work. Don't be boring- invest in a bright, durable bottle.

    FYI: these are the best eco-friendly water bottles for kids! We have a couple of them but our favorite is the Thermos Funtainer Range.

    For myself personally, I have a BKR water bottle. I have the 1 liter one which is a pain to carry around but it also makes it so I know how much to drink each and every day.

    Flavor it

    Adding in fruits, lemons, herbs anything you actually like will entice you to drink more. Ideally, try to stay away from artificial flavors as they come with their own set of issues. However, if you're just starting out and that's what makes you get your 2 liters in, do it.

    My favorites are adding in strawberries or watermelon. It's fresh and has a bit of flavor which makes it refreshing. Learn more about how to naturally flavor water.

    This does make it so you need to plan ahead a bit. However, if it means you'll hit your water goals than it's worth it!

    Fruit Infused Water in three mason jars

    Make it part of your routine

    When I was first starting to up my water intake I made it a rule that I had to have a full glass prior to every meal.

    Since I would never forget food I always remembered my water. While it sucked having to gag the water down, it did the trick. This is called habit-pairing and it works like a charm. Worst case scenario- set an alarm.

    Exercise

    Yes, another benefit of workouts- you'll be thirsty!

    And in an ideal world, it'll be water that you grab to rehydrate. The truth is, normally once you notice your thirst you're already a bit dehydrated. It's only natural to have water with you during a sweat session so start moving!

    Woman in pink shirt outside with headphones in drinking water.

    Set a water goal

    Just like any other healthy habit, setting a specific goal helps you to remain accountable.

    Instead of saying "I need to drink more water" make it specific with amounts and start off small while you scale up. A good start is "I need to drink four full water bottles each day".

    Once you have a goal, outline our actionable steps. Set an alarm on your phone 8 times per day to drink half a bottle.

     

    Prep your water the night before

    If you have a specific water goal, why not prep your water for the day before just like you meal prep.

    I have two-liter big jugs I drink out of so before I go to bed each night I fill them both. This way in the morning, they're ready and waiting.

    I just need to grab one and then the other and I know exactly how much I've taken in.

    Use Chilled Loose Leaf Tea

    If you really hate water, try weaning down from flavored drinks with herbal, loose leaf tea.

    The important part of upping your water intake is hydrating. Make up a big batch of tea, chill it, and set to work.

    It keeps the flavor fresh and different while still giving your body the hydration it needs. Then as you master the habit, swap out one glass of tea for regular water.

    Chilled loose leaf tea in red bottles with a glass of pink tea in front

    Track it

    When learning to drink more water- track your intake!

    An app, a pencil, and paper, or marks on the edge of the bottle (like in this super colorful bottle). Know how much water you're currently drinking so you know how much more you need in the day.

    Use Flavored Ice Cubes

    Some people hate water and especially warm water.

    Juice some lemons, freeze them as ice cubes, and add that to your bottle of water. Not only will you have a refreshing flavor but it will be chilled too!

    Lemons, cucumbers, and herbs around ice cubes and glasses with water.

    Try coconut water

    An amazing way to get more natural electrolytes and unbelievably hydrating, coconut water is a great choice for people who hate water.

    Just make sure to grab a brand that doesn't add in any sugar to their cartons or you're defeating the purpose of drinking more water.

    Don't forget to pin these tips to drink more water each day!

    Pinterest image with text: woman in black sweater holding pink water bottle

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    Wrap Up

    There are lots of ways to learn to drink more water. You just need to get creative and work at it. Making sure that a lot of your intake comes from food is key also.

    Consuming nutrient-dense foods (like vegetables) versus calorie-dense foods (like processed foods) is an easy way to keep you hydrated. Foods like watermelon and cucumbers are also naturally higher in water and great to snack on.

    Water is vital for our systems to function and even more important for them to function optimally.

    While there are tricks and tips you can use, at the end of the day you've just got to suck it up and drink more water.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen | My Healthy Homemade Life

      August 24, 2017 at 10:38 am

      I loved your tips. I find that usually I'm pretty good about drinking enough water but when my routine is a bit off (traveling, etc.,) I really need to make the conscious effort to plan ahead. My favorite drink this summer has been infused water. I love clipping herbs from my garden like peppermint, apple mint, lemon balm and tusi.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 24, 2017 at 4:24 pm

        Way to go on already having the basics down! I was obsessed with infused water this year too. We grew cucumber and mint and it makes the perfect refreshing combo! Lemon balm would also be amazing..

        Reply
    2. Envelle

      August 24, 2017 at 11:12 am

      Great tips! For me, it helps to have a large bottle of water in the kitchen so I can remind myself. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 24, 2017 at 4:23 pm

        That's a good one too! Wherever you're most likely to see it so you can grab it!

        Reply
    3. Dominee

      August 24, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      I love the flavored ice-cube idea! I just got a new "Good vibes only" water bottle, which I love, so I'll have to try this out!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 25, 2017 at 1:40 am

        Mm I love flavored ice cubes! Mainly because they look so cute haha (clearly I'ma dork). Love the water bottle quote btw!

        Reply
    4. Carina

      August 24, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      This was perfect timing to read this today because I've been realizing how little water I drink!!! I just drink a lot of black coffee and hardly any water- it's time for that to change!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 25, 2017 at 1:40 am

        Glad it was well timed! It's tricky to get into the habit of it but once you do it's easy! Hopefully some of the tips help you out!

        Reply
    5. justine

      August 25, 2017 at 2:11 am

      i'm horrible about drinking water but now that i'm nursing, my thirst is UNREAL.
      i have a system now though -- I have three hair ties on my left hand and when I'm done drinking my L hand I move over the hair tie to my right!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 25, 2017 at 3:50 pm

        RIGHT!? Nursing made me so unbelievably dehydrated. i guzzled water. Oh the hair tie system is neat- nice thinking!

        Reply
    6. Gayathri

      August 25, 2017 at 11:14 am

      I have two bottles of water filled as soon as I get up in the morning, before I start the day. And I make it a point to empty it before I end the day. I am glad you have mentioned that as well.

      Gayathri @ Musings Over Nothing

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 25, 2017 at 3:50 pm

        That's how I go about it too. I have 2 1L bottles and anything on top of that is extra 🙂

        Reply
    7. Amber Marie

      August 25, 2017 at 1:30 pm

      These are great tips! I just started tracking muster recently!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 25, 2017 at 3:49 pm

        Amazing! How's it going for you so far?

        Reply
    8. Sella | themomslifecycle

      August 25, 2017 at 3:58 pm

      That's the great post, i always missed to drink more the water and i need this for reminder:)

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 26, 2017 at 1:18 am

        It's a tricky habit to get into- hopefully one of the tips clicks for you!

        Reply
    9. Ken Hanaya

      August 25, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Those are really good tips. I think i'll start adding fruits since I know I don't get enough intake. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 26, 2017 at 1:18 am

        Glad the tips could help! The fruits are a good way to start 🙂

        Reply
    10. Bree

      August 25, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      These are such great tips! I love water, and haven't ever had a problem drinking it, but my husband never seems to have enough water - I'll have to try these tricks on him!!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 26, 2017 at 1:17 am

        I love water now but initially I despised it- I had to gag it down! It's definitely a habit shift you have to work for but oh so worth it. Hopefully a couple of the tips work for your hubby! Mine is the same way though- I can get about 1 water bottle into him a day.. it's a work in progress lol

        Reply
    11. Jos

      August 25, 2017 at 6:34 pm

      Such great tips! It can be difficult to get enough water each day, but these will definitely help!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 26, 2017 at 1:16 am

        It's not easy to change habits but this one is worth it 🙂

        Reply
    12. Luci

      August 26, 2017 at 2:10 am

      I cut out drinking soft drinks at the beginning of the year and started to drink nothing but water and my one coffee. It was a little hard in the beginning but got easier as the weeks went on.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 26, 2017 at 3:52 pm

        Ah Luci that`s amazing! really and truly congrats that`s a huge habit to break and re-do. How are you feeling energy wise??

        Reply
    13. Larissa

      August 31, 2017 at 2:05 am

      These are great tips! I'm working on upping my water intake throughout the day, so I'll keep these in mind. I especially like the tip of drinking a glass of water before your meal. I usually try to finish a water bottle an hour, and that helps me keep drinking throughout the day. I've yet to do that consistently though.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 31, 2017 at 3:26 pm

        It's super hard habit to rock consistently! Drinking before a meal helped me get started initially as it made me remember. A bottle an hour is amazing though too! Or, fill two really large bottles for the day and know that you just have to get through those by the end of the day- whatever works!

        Reply
    14. Tanvi Rastogi

      August 31, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      I love your tips. Thankfully I have got a handle on my water in take with practice. It is astonishing how many of us do not realize the importance of water intake.

      ❥ tanvii.com

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 31, 2017 at 4:41 pm

        Yes! It's one of those "it keeps you alive how can you not drink it" things to me haha Glad you're already ahead of the game!

        Reply
    15. Priyadarshini Rajendran

      August 31, 2017 at 3:05 pm

      Thankfully I always have plenty of water without struggling about it. The listed benefits are so true..that once when I hiked continuously for about 6 hours without water, I had a terrible head ache. Thanks for this great article about the importance of having water.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 31, 2017 at 4:41 pm

        Once you're used to drinking an adequate amount of water you realize how much it sucks when you don't! I get crazy headaches and just feel sluggish if I'm running low- glad you enjoyed the post!

        Reply
    16. Suzanne Spiegoski

      August 31, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      Drinking plenty of water on an everyday basis has always been tough for me, I'm a huge caffeine addict. But flavored waters do help!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        August 31, 2017 at 4:40 pm

        I was the same so you're not alone! It's a really hard habit change. Keeping it fresh with new flavors at least helps it not be boring 🙂 keep at it!

        Reply
    17. Michelle

      August 31, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      Great tips! Water is very important for a mama to keep up with her busy life. I always take a water bottle with me & sometimes I chill it overnight in fridge.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        September 01, 2017 at 12:47 am

        YES! You go through so much energy as a mom you need water to just survive the day! I like super cold water first thing in the morning, for some reason it's a necessity 😛

        Reply
    18. jhilmil

      September 01, 2017 at 12:33 am

      Water helps body so much. I usually get up very early and make sure that I have 4 glasses of water in the morning to cleanse up my system. And then I have set water goals as you said. Great tips!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        September 01, 2017 at 12:41 am

        That's awesome that you have a system already- I love it! I GUZZLE water in the morning. It makes me feel so much better and more energized

        Reply
    19. Shalini

      September 08, 2017 at 5:56 am

      Really helpful tips!! Water is vital for the body, it has numerous benefits. I drink 2-3 glass of water in the morning when I wake up and keep a bottle of water on my desk during work and make sure that I don't forget to drink it. Thanks for sharing other tips as well.

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        September 08, 2017 at 4:29 pm

        Keeping a bottle nearby is so so key to remembering! Love that you've got your routine down pat 😀

        Reply
    20. Ashlee

      September 19, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      Great post! I am SO bad about drinking water, and I cannot seem to keep up with remembering to drink it. I will take all of the tips I can get, I need to pick up a cute bottle, that is definitely something that may get me into drinking more water. For someone who is so obsessed with skincare, you would think I would drink a ton!

      Ashlee

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        September 20, 2017 at 12:31 am

        It's a tricky habit t get it to, you definitely have to work for it. But it CAN be done- and cute bottles definitely help 😉

        Reply
    21. Shannon C.

      September 25, 2017 at 5:18 am

      Great tips! I'm all about flavoring my water, when I drink water. I'll be the first to admit that I don't drink near enough water each day. I know that, on the rare occasions that I do exercise, I have absolutely no problem drinking plain water! Thanks for the tips!

      Reply
      • fitasamamabear

        September 25, 2017 at 8:43 pm

        If flavoring works- rock it! I'm a water fiend now but I wasn't always so whatever works roll with it 🙂

        Reply

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