How to Drink More Fluids

The common rules of staying healthy seem to focus on proper diet and adequate exercise, yet often overlook the most important key to maintaining good health is drinking enough fluids. Keeping the body adequately hydrated assists in the proper functioning of the muscles, digestive tract and other critical organs in addition to making the skin supple.

Things You'll Need

• Water bottle
• Large pitcher
• Sun tea container
• Wild mint
• Watermelon
• Broth based soups

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Instructions

• 1

  Have an 8-ounce glass of water with each meal of the day plus another during mid-morning and one in the afternoon. Aim for a minimum of eight glasses of water a day.

• 2

  Keep a water bottle or drinking glass at the workspace if allowed and drink more water throughout the day.

• 3

  Refill a water bottle when leaving for work to drink during the morning commute. Repeat for the ride home.

• 4

  Fill a large pitcher with water and store in the refrigerator for ice cold water at all times.

• 5

  Make a batch of herbal sun tea with wild spearmint or peppermint. Cut fresh leaves from wild plants found in wet areas and place in a large container with water. Let sit in the sun until the tea is of desired potency. Sip throughout the day.

• 6

  Avoid sodas or sugary drinks as a main source of fluids. If a pop is necessary, drink a glass of water after.

• 7

  Drink a flavored water beverage if tap water is too bland for the taste. These bottled waters come in a variety of exotic and common flavors with an array of vitamin and herbal fortifications.

• 8

  Choose high water content foods like watermelon and broth based soups to get more fluids in addition to beverages.

• 9

  Use breakfast as a great opportunity to drink more fluids. Have a coffee or two, add milk to a bowl of cereal, and finish with a tall glass of orange juice. In the end, breakfast results in consuming almost four 8-ounce servings of liquid.

• 10

  Avoid alcohol as a source of fluids and during hot weather when drinking enough liquids is extremely important.

• 11

  Add a squirt of fresh lemon or lime to water for a refreshing change.