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Humans need to drink water, a good amount of it, too. Especially in the summer, when you're sweating just by existing. Water keeps your skin glowing, your energy up, and can hopefully keep you from overeating, being tired, cranky, bloated, or having headaches. If you're someone who usually reaches for a soda or high-calorie energy drink because you "don't like the taste of water," there are some options to get you towards a healthier and more hydrated you. Summer means pool parties, days at the beach, and, for some people, hangovers. Avoid heat strokes, painful headaches, and achy organs by drinking more H20.
How much water should you drink?
A common baseline is around 2.7 liters (about 11 cups) per day for women and 3.7 liters (about 15 cups) for men, according to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences. But that includes fluids from food, too. You can also aim to drink half your body weight in ounces. If you're sweating it out at the gym, you'll want to increase your water intake to help your body recover fast. Of course, more isn’t always better. There is such a thing as drinking too much water, and it can throw off your electrolyte balance and lead to hyponatremia.
1. Put fruit in it
Yes, real fruit. Not that “naturally flavored” mystery stuff. Slice up a lemon, toss in some berries, or throw in an orange wedge. Let it sit in the fridge for a bit. Boom. Fancy. Your friends will be impressed.
2. Add fresh herbs like you’re on a cooking show
Mint makes everything taste colder. Don’t overthink it, just rinse and toss a few sprigs into your bottle. Get creative, there are a lot of different herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Here are some fun fruit AND herb combinations.
- Mint + cucumber
- Basil + strawberry
- Rosemary + grapefruit
- Mint + watermelon
- Thyme + lemon
- Lavender + blueberries
- Cilantro + lime
- Sage + peach
- Mint + pineapple
- Basil + mango
- Mint + orange
- Rosemary + blackberry
- Tarragon + lemon
- Mint + kiwi
- Basil + raspberry
3. Freeze flavored ice cubes
- Get an ice tray.
- Fill it with coconut water, lemon juice, or whatever leftover fruit you have.
- Freeze.
- Feel fancy and put it in your water bottle or pitcher to share with friends.
4. Do the juice trick
Just a splash. Not half the bottle. Try and keep it natural and sugar-free too.
5. Go sparkling if you need bubbles
Sparkling water feels fancy and has that sweet burn. There are handy machines you can buy to make it right at home. If you're someone trying to get off soda, add lime, cucumber, or whatever is about to go bad in your fridge.
6. Make it cold. Like, actually cold
Room temp water? Nope. Keep a pitcher in the fridge. Add ice. Add your freezer cubes.
7. Let it infuse overnight
Want real flavor? Let the water sit with fruit and herbs overnight in the fridge. Lazy effort, maximum taste. You’ll feel like you run a wellness retreat.
8. Half coconut water, half regular water
Tastes a little sweet, adds electrolytes, and makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
9. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar (yes, really)
Stay with me. Just a tiny bit - like a teaspoon - of balsamic with sparkling water and strawberries, and you have a mocktail.
10. Steep a tea bag in cold water
Lazy girl iced tea. Drop a fruity herbal tea bag (peach, hibiscus, or lemon ginger) into your water bottle and let it chill in the fridge. No boiling, no effort.
11. Add a teeny tiny pinch of sea salt
Keyword: tiny. It gives your water a little mineral kick and helps your body absorb it better. Don’t overdo it. We are not making soup.
12. Use a bottle you actually like
This sounds dumb, but it works. If your bottle’s cute, you’ll carry it more. Carry it = drink it.