Why is it so hard to drink water? We all know we need to drink more water to stay hydrated and maintain good health, but drinking water can feel like a chore if you don’t enjoy it.
Most people are aware of the classic "8 glasses a day" rule, which suggests drinking about 64 ounces (or roughly two liters) daily to meet fluid needs, but this is just a general guideline. Hydration needs can vary based on activity level, age, and climate.
So, how can we make drinking water less of a hassle, especially if plain water isn’t appealing? If you’re among those who think, "I don’t like the taste of water," these 10 tips will show you how to increase your water intake and stay hydrated, even if water isn’t your favorite drink.
1. Eat Hydrating Foods
A simple way to boost your fluid intake without constantly reaching for a glass is by incorporating more hydrating foods into your diet. Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and leafy greens are all examples of foods with high water content that can help you stay hydrated.
Many fruits and vegetables not only add to your water intake but also provide essential nutrients and aid in digestion. By eating more fruits and vegetables, you’ll hydrate your body naturally without even realizing it.
Eating foods with high water content is a nice way to hydrate without forcing yourself to drink endless glasses of water. Soups, smoothies, and sugar-free popsicles are other hydrating options that add variety to your daily fluid intake.
2. Add Flavor to Your Water
If plain water tastes bland, try adding natural flavors. Infusing your water with slices of lemon, cucumber, berries, or even a few mint leaves can enhance the taste and make it more enjoyable.
For an added boost, use fruits like watermelon or citrus, which not only improve flavor but also contain vitamins that aid digestion and provide extra nutrients.
Flavored water helps you drink more water without added sugar or artificial ingredients, keeping it healthy and refreshing. Another tip is to use ice cubes made from fruit juice or coconut water. Adding a bit of flavor is a simple way to make drinking water easier throughout the day.
3. Use a Water Bottle With Markers
Investing in a water bottle with time markers or motivational phrases can remind you to sip throughout the day. These bottles often feature markings for every hour, helping you stay on track with your fluid needs by providing gentle nudges to drink a certain amount at regular intervals.
Carrying a water bottle with you is a great way to meet your daily hydration goals and avoid forgetting to drink water when you’re busy.
Tracking your water intake can also help prevent dehydration, especially if you’re someone who rarely feels thirsty. Alternatively, use water-tracking apps to set goals and receive reminders to drink more water.
4. Try Carbonated Water
For those who dislike plain water, sparkling or carbonated water can add a fun twist. Carbonated water provides the hydration benefits of regular water but with the enjoyable fizz that some people prefer. Just be cautious about choosing varieties without added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Using a sparkling water infuser at home can also be a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy carbonated water. Plus, it lets you create different flavors by adding slices of fruit, fresh herbs, or even a splash of fruit juice for extra flavor.
Drinking sparkling water can help you reach your hydration goals while adding variety to your routine.
5. Include More Tea in Your Routine
Drinking tea is another way to meet your water intake needs. Both herbal and decaffeinated teas are hydrating and can be a soothing alternative to plain water, especially in colder weather. Just be mindful of caffeine, as it has mild diuretic effects, causing you to lose water through increased urine production.
Green tea, peppermint, and chamomile are good options that add antioxidants to your diet while keeping you hydrated. By swapping out sugary drinks or soda for tea, you’re also making a healthier choice that contributes to your overall health.
6. Set Daily Hydration Goals
Setting clear hydration goals can help make drinking water a priority. Rather than keeping hydration as a vague target, try setting specific goals.
For example, aim to drink a glass of water every hour or plan to finish a certain amount of fluid by mid-afternoon. These small, achievable goals help establish a routine, making it easier to drink more water.
A great way to stick to these goals is by rewarding yourself each time you meet your daily hydration target. Whether it’s a small treat or extra leisure time, celebrating your progress can encourage you to keep going.
7. Choose Coconut Water for a Nutrient Boost
Coconut water is a hydrating beverage rich in potassium, which helps regulate body temperature and supports fluid balance. It’s also a nice way to add flavor and nutrients to your daily intake without added sugar, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to stay hydrated while avoiding plain water.
Be cautious about choosing coconut water with added sugar, as natural coconut water already has a slightly sweet taste and doesn’t need extra sweeteners.
This drink is especially refreshing after exercise, helping replenish electrolytes and energy lost through sweat.
8. Foster Good Drinking Habits
Creating a healthy drinking routine can make staying hydrated much easier. Try to start each morning with a glass of water to jumpstart your day.
Keeping a water bottle at your desk or in your bag can help you drink water consistently throughout the day, reducing the likelihood of dehydration. Additionally, replace sugary sodas or high-calorie fruit juices with water, tea, or coconut water as much as possible.
Limiting diuretics like coffee and alcohol is also crucial, as these can lead to fluid loss. Cutting back on these drinks helps maintain a healthy hydration balance, aiding digestion, energy levels, and body temperature regulation.
9. Improve Your Shower Water
It may sound unrelated, but the quality of the water you bathe in can influence how you feel about drinking water.
Hard water, which contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave a dry, unappealing residue on skin, possibly affecting how you perceive water overall. Installing a water filter in your shower can help reduce these minerals, leaving you with a better experience and encouraging you to drink more water.
Filtered water is often softer and free of contaminants, enhancing your relationship with water both inside and out. If the taste or feel of your tap water bothers you, consider installing a water filter in the kitchen as well for a fresher drinking experience.
10. Keep Hydrating Options Handy
Keeping convenient, hydrating options around can make staying hydrated less of a hassle.
For instance, have a fruit-infused water bottle in the fridge or keep a few low-sugar, high-water-content snacks on hand, like berries, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Having options ready can help you make healthier choices when you’re thirsty and in need of a quick drink or snack.
Even simple changes, like placing a jug of water with fruit slices in your fridge, can remind you to drink more water throughout the day. By keeping options available, you make it easier to stay on track and hydrate more consistently.
AquaBliss - Your Water Enthusiasts
Why is drinking water such a challenge? When you prioritize staying hydrated, you’re doing more than quenching your thirst—you’re supporting your body’s essential functions, from aiding digestion to regulating body temperature.
Whether you love water or not, these tips for how to drink more water when you don't like it will help you make hydration a seamless part of your routine.
At AquaBliss, we’re committed to helping you enjoy all the benefits of good hydration. Explore our collection of shower filters to improve your water quality, and discover more hydration tips on our blog today.
