How to drink more water every day (even if you hate it)

Five Inspired Alternatives to Drinking Plain Water!

While the human body can survive for more than three weeks without food, water is a different story. More than 60% of the body is made up of H2O, and every single cell relies on it to function. So, when it comes to living a healthy life, getting your eight glasses a day is non-negotiable.

Why is it so important? Basically, water is your body’s life source. It keeps you hydrated, regulates your body temperature, transports oxygen between cells, cushions joints, flushes out toxins and a whole lot more.

But in-between breathing, sweating and urinating, your body loses a LOT of water on a daily basis. That’s why it’s so important to replenish fluids throughout the day. But, what if you find it difficult to chug down the recommended eight glasses? Maybe you simply forget, or find water boring? Perhaps you prefer liquids with a little more taste?

Whatever’s holding you back from H20, check out these healthy alternatives to water that will not only keep your hydrated but tantalise your taste buds with fabulous flavours, textures and colours.

Coconut water

A coco a day keeps the doctor away. Or at least that’s the motto that coconut water lovers live by. Sourced from young coconuts, an eight ounce serving of coconut water is loaded with electrolytes that hydrate your body much faster than plain H20. Think sodium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Not to mention a handful of vitamins, antioxidants and amino acids that boost your health and immune system in general. Seek out fresh coconuts at your local Asian supermarket, or embrace convenience and stock up on cartons and cans.

Caffeine free tea

Add a little excitement to your daily water routine by stocking up on tea bags. Try to avoid caffeinated black teas that promote dehydration, and opt for herbal blends. They come in a kaleidoscope of fruity flavours, and are a great way to get your eight glasses a day. Right now we’re loving rooibos, a low tannin varietal packed full of antioxidants. Warm up on a cold day, or let it cool off and throw in a few ice blocks for a healthy ice tea in summer.

Infused H2O

Sometimes, all it takes is a little flavour punch to get you excited about water. Also known as spa water, this creative concept sees H20 infused with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Infuser water bottles have become a bona fide trend, sold everywhere from the supermarket to homeware stores to specialty shops. Just fill up your bottle with water, throw a handful of flavours into the infuser and voila. Delicious water, in seconds. Looking for inspiration? Right now we’re head over heels for strawberry, basil and lemon, watermelon and mind, orange and blueberry and citrus and cucumber.

Healthy broths

A savoury alternative to water, healthy broths are a great way to fill up, warm up and stay hydrated. Look for low sodium options, and add texture and flavour with spring onions, mushrooms and extras. Broths are the perfect way to warm up on a winter’s day, or fill up and rehydrate when you get hunger pangs at awkward hours.

Watermelon

Made up of 92% water, there’s no better fruit to keep you hydrated than watermelon. After all, the name says it all! Not only is watermelon delicious, but it’ll also help to quench your thirst and replenish your body’s natural fluids. Plus, it’s packed full of vitamin A, vitamin C and thiamine, which aren’t naturally found in run of the mill drinking water. Eat in slices, add to a fruit salad of blitz with ice for a refreshing, dairy-free smoothie.

With so many mouth-watering alternatives to plain old water, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be hitting your eight glasses a day goal. So get inspired, get creative and drink your way to better health.