If there is one magical elixir that can help promote good health, it's water. Here's how to make sure you get enough each day.
1. Set goals. For instance, first thing in the morning, fill a large pitcher with eight cups of water and set a goal to finish it by the end of the day.
2. Get in the habit of drinking a glass of water 20 or 30 minutes before each meal. There's a bonus to this exercise: If you're watching your weight, filling up on water may help you eat less.
3. Hang a reminder sign on your refrigerator so if you go to grab a cold drink, you'll remember to reach for water instead of soda or other beverages. Likewise, put a note up near your sink to remind you to have a drink while you're there.
4. Eat plenty of watery foods throughout the day. Juicy fruit such as watermelon and oranges, vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, and even dairy products like lowfat yogurt, all help keep you hydrated.
5. Dilute fruit juice such as grape or cranberry with water or seltzer. You'll save calories while still quenching your thirst with a flavorful beverage. At the same time, juice contains electrolytes (minerals) that help your body better absorb water.
6. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to your water bottle, or float a slice of lemon, lime, or even cucumber in your glass to make your water taste more refreshing.
7. Drink herbal tea, hot or iced.
8. Have soup for lunch. The less salty, the better to keep you hydrated.
9. Set a watch or phone alarm to go off every hour as a reminder.
10. Keep a bottle or covered glass of water by your bed at night. Start each day with a sip or more.
11. Always carry a water bottle when you're on the move.
12. Take sips. It's not always easy to down a full glass of water, but you can always swallow a mouthful.
13. Keep a large bottle or pitcher of water on your desk at work.
14. Use a fancy glass for your water, such as a wine glass or specially decorated cup.
15. Whenever you drink an alcoholic beverage, drink a full glass of water at the same time.
16. As soon as you sit down at a restaurant and the wait person arrives, ask for a glass of water.
17. Warm up your water in the winter. When it's hot outside, colder water feels more refreshing but when you're chilly, nothing beats a warm mug.
18. Find a water buddy. Ask a friend at work to remind you to drink water from time to time, and do the same for her.
19. Keep a water diary. It may sound extreme, but writing down how much water you drink and when not only helps you keep track of how much you're drinking but also helps you establish a habit of drinking on a regular basis because you're paying more attention to what you're doing when you write it down. Phone apps are also available to help you track your water intake.
20. Think of water as a nutrient, and visualize the good health that comes from drinking enough. Remind yourself regularly that drinking water is a positive, healthful habit.
