Tips to drink more water
We all know that water is essential to life, but we don’t always drink the recommended amount. What can we do to change this habit?
Although there is no strict measure for the quantity of water that we must drink daily, the right thing is that it should be a lot. However, don’t be fooled: liquids like sodas, juices and specially alcohol are not a substitute – on the contrary, they only harm.
It is vital and its intake greatly benefits the entire functioning of the body. Water can help control appetite, increase energy levels, improve sleep, the aspect of skin and a number of other functions of the body. But not everyone can drink the recommended doses of water, some even replace it with other liquids. If your goal is to force yourself to drink more, you can choose the tricks that we recommend.
Plan the amount you want to drink everyday day. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), recommends 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men.
20% of the water that we take comes from the food we eat and the remaining comes from water or other liquids. You can also increase the intake of fruits or fruit juices, if you do not consume them regularly.
Try to also make it easier for you to drink water. If you don’t like to carry big bottles, use smaller ones and fill them several times a day. It makes easier to carry water everywhere. Having water always at hand also decreases the tendency for the consumption of other juices or soft drinks.
If you still forget, use reminders or signs that force you to drink water. If you like tea, use and abuse it – but only of the herbal infusions.
If you drink a lot of soft drinks, start replacing them gradually for glasses of water and then gradually increase the habit. Control the urge to buy cans of soft drinks to have stored at home and buy water bottles instead – even your wallet will thank you. Do the same with soft drinks that may have in the office or that you drink at lunchtime. If you like flavored waters, choose to add a few drops of lemon, mint leaves or even cucumber slices on your glass.
Force yourself to drink it before, during and after meals. Because the only way to quench the thirst is with… water.
