Water seems so harmless, but, trust me, people tend to have strong feelings about drinking it. The way I see it, there are three categories of consumers: water braggers, fitful drinkers, and water haters (why do there always have to be haters?). But no matter what your relationship is with water, it’s essential that you drink enough. A good rule of thumb: aim to drink half the number of pounds you see on a body-weight scale in ounces every day (set a daily water intake goal in the Fitbit app to make this easier). For example, a 140-pound person should sip 70 ounces of water.
Knowing which category you fall in, and arming yourself with a few tips and tricks, can make a big difference when it comes to staying hydrated this season.
Water Braggers
Some of our Foodtrainers clients are water braggers. When I inquire about their drinking habits, I’m usually met with a response like, “I’m alllllways drinking water! My coworkers make fun of me, because I’m constantly in the bathroom.” If you’re in this category, you know who you are.
Fitful Drinkers
The second group—and I’ll confess, I’m in this drinking division—are fitful drinkers. This group excels under certain circumstances. For example, when I’m at my desk at work, I always have a full mug or cup of water. Or when I set a goal in my Fitbit app, I’ll drink my fill. But on other days, I find myself parched.
Water Haters
Finally, there are the water haters. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I hate water—I could go the whole day without drinking a glass,” or “Water is so boring!” you’re in this group.
A normal nutritionist may not feel the need to happy-up hydration, but I love a challenge! So whether you’re a bragger, a fitful drinker, or a hater, here are four ways to make quenching your thirst easier and more exciting.
Find a container you like
As silly as it sounds, the receptacle can make a difference for your hydration. When buying water on the go, my family is partial to Core, because the top makes sipping and resealing simple. In the market for a new, reusable bottle? Try Bkr, Swell, or Thermos—these brands all have chic options. And be sure to spring for the largest size possible—the bigger the container, the more you drink.
Buy a flavor-boosted beverage
Not all bottled waters are boring. In fact, some companies have figured out how to create infused waters without adding sweeteners or juices. If you’re looking for H2O with added oomph, Ingo, Hint, and Ayala Herbal Water make great drinks.
Infuse your water with flavor
Before you tell me this is too much work, consider this: infusing your own water doesn’t require any special tools or gadgets. Fresh mint, cucumber slices, and orange wedges are good options—toss in one, or all three! Really, you can use whatever you have on hand. A simple recipe for your next infusion: add a handful of one herb (basil, mint, cilantro etc.) and one cut-up fruit (lemon, peach, apple, etc.) to a pitcher of water. If you’re feeling experimental, one tablespoon of good-quality apple cider vinegar in a glass of water is also tasty and has multiple health benefits. Dunking a tea bag into your drink can make a big difference, too.
Snack on hydrating foods, too
If you’re really looking for a sipping shortcut, there are watery foods than can help you stay hydrated. Summer fruits, such as peaches, strawberries, and watermelon, and veggies, like zucchini, have high water contents and plenty of fiber to help you feel full.
Now, who’s thirsty?
When it comes to water, are you a bragger, a fitful drinker, or a hater? Share your hydration tips in the comments!
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.
Lauren Slayton
Lauren Slayton, MS, RD, is the author of The Little Book of Thin and creator of the Foodtrainers blog.
Great article and helpful. I knew a man who loved to drink cold water from a tin cup. He said it tasted so delicious and reminded him of the merchant marines where they drank water from a tin cup. I am a 61 year old male and I have no idea how much 3 ounces of water is. Please stick to metric measure. So much easier for me. Its all a portion of a litre(quart). Heh Heh.