Benefits to Drinking Water

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Are you someone who has constantly been told to drink more water but yet can't seem to drink enough? Drinking water does more than just quench your thirst — it’s essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy. It's hard, especially in summer to get the daily intake of water before becoming dehydrated. If you find it hard to actually drink water because you don't like the taste or lack-there-of, I have a solution for you.

First I would like to mention some of the benefits to drinking water and why it's always important to drink it. Nearly all of our body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive.

Water helps your body:

• Regulate body temperature

• Flush out waste

• Carry nutrients and oxygen to cells

• Help your brain function

• Protect the body's organs and tissues

Every day, you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements, which is why it’s important to continue to take in water throughout the day. For your body to function at its best, you must replenish its water supply with beverages and food that contain water. By consuming the minimum recommendation of water, you’re improving your overall health.

Tips to Drink More Water

• Carry a water bottle you love with you and refill it throughout the day- I can say for myself that if I have a nice water bottle with me during the day I will always be sipping at it. So I suggest if you're looking to drink more water, the first step is to get a water bottle that you love and are going to use daily. Whether you like a water bottle with a straw, twist top, large or small. Choose one that fits your needs and that you like. I will link the water bottle that I use constantly here.

• Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories- this has always been a hard one for me because when I go to a restaurant I feel as though I need to get something exciting to drink. However, even if you get a soda with your meal, maybe ask for a cup of water as well. Once you finish the soda don't get a refill, instead drink the water.

• Choose sparkling or mineral water over soda- believe me it takes a while to get used to because of the lack of sugar, but if you like that carbonation from soda, you're still getting it here. There are also countless new flavors of sparkling waters to choose from and can suit any flavor cravings. Sure, you're not going to replace every deliciously sweet soda with seltzer but at least you're cutting back and it's a start! Add in some fresh or frozen fruit for extra flavor or a fun, exciting splash of color!

• Use an app to track your water intake- this method makes it easy to keep up with the glasses of water you've drank. It can also be a little fun activity to get you excited for drinking water. By setting daily reminders and alarms, it won't be hard to remember to drink water.

Infused Water

This is one of my favorite ways to drink water especially during these hot summer months. Fruit-infused water contains all the hydration of a cool glass of water and the bright, sweet, and tangy flavors of your chosen ingredients. The main benefits of drinking infused water come from the simple fact that it’s water. By infusing tasty flavors, many people tend to drink more water. Infusion can thus be a way to make water more appealing.

Fruit infused water or detox water is made by adding different combinations of fruits, herbs, and vegetables to water in order to infuse it with their flavors. It is very easy to make at home, using any number of combinations you prefer. Because its just water, fruit and/or herbs, it's virtually sugar and calorie free! There are also added vitamins depending on the fruits you choose. It can also aid in weight management because many people who drink water tend to stay at a balanced weight.

How do I make fruit infused water at home?

Start with cold tap or filtered water, then choose a flavor combination you want to use. Some great combinations for fruit infused water are:

• Orange & red raspberry (pictured above)

• Watermelon & blackberry

• Apple & orange

• Cucumber, blueberry, & mint (pictured above)

• Peach & mint

• Strawberry & pineapple

• Lime & blueberry

• Lemon & strawberry (pictured below)

• Kiwi & orange

• Grapefruit & rosemary

• Cucumber & lemon

To prepare, slice ingredients (or tear herbs into large chunks) and add to the water. The more of an ingredient you use, and the longer you let it infuse, the stronger the flavors will be.

If you find plain water boring to drink, then infusing your water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs can help increase your likelihood of reaching for a glass of water instead of juice or soda. The ideas are endless and there are so many flavor creations for one type of beverage...water!

Hope you enjoyed!! Stay hydrated :)