I never drink enough water. Couple that with the fact that I'm either pregnant, nursing, or it's summer, and even when I do drink a lot of water it's still not enough!
Adding stuff to your water makes it taste better, and then you're going to drink more. Make it cold and you might drink it even faster. Here are some of my favorite things to add to water, some favorite combinations, and even some reader suggestions. I'll add more to the list as I hear of them or try them, right now there are more than 50!
At the bottom of the list there are also tips to get yourself to drink more water.
Things to Put in Your Water:
1.) lime
2.) lemon
3.) squeezed lime juice – I use a press like this one
4.) squeezed lemon juice – I use a press like this one
5.) orange
6.) cucumber slices
7.) mint leaves –wash them well
8.) basil leaves – wash them well
9.) stevia – natural sweetener, CHECK THE INGREDIENTS AND MAKE SURE IT IS PURE STEVIA! more on that here
10.) chia seeds – good source of omega 6's, high alkaline food, SUPER good for you. Gives you energy, helps you stay full. Doesn't taste like anything, soak for 5 minutes in cup before drinking.
11.) ice 😉
12.) coffee – cold brewing your coffee is very simple, here are my instructions. Here's the short cut version.
13.) strawberries – sliced
14.) pineapple
15.) blueberries
16.) tea
17.) honey
18.) grated fresh ginger
Favorite Combos:
19.) lemon + stevia + water = lemonade
20.) lime + stevia + water = limeade
21.) mint + lime + stevia + water = mojito
I like any of the below combinations as is, or with a few drops of stevia to sweeten them up
22.) lemon + cucumber
23.) lemon + cucumber + basil
24.) lime + cucumber + basil
25.) lemon + stevia + chia = chia lemonade
26.) lime + stevia + chia = chia limeade
27.) cucumber + mint
28.) blueberry + mint
29.) strawberry + mint
30.) strawberry + basil
31.) strawberry + lime
32.) strawberry + lime + mint
33.) tea + honey
34.) tea + lemon + honey
35.) tea + ice + stevia + lemon
36.) cold brewed coffee + cream + ice cubes = iced coffee
37.) cold brewed coffee + cream + ice cubes + maple syrup = maple iced coffee
38.) cold brewed coffee + cream + ice cubes + flavored syrup = flavored iced coffee. Here's a post on an Iced Quick Salted Caramel Mocha
Reader Suggestions:
39.) scotch
40.) gin
41.) vodka
*side note: HA! I love my readers. 😉
42.) lime + pomegranate
43.) apple slices + cinnamon sticks
44.) lavender + lime wedge
45.) grapefruit + basil
46.) lemon + pineapple + lime + sage
47. ) blood orange + pineapple + sage
48.) lime + savory
49.) lemon, lime, or orange slices frozen into cubes
50.) splash of cranberry juice
51.) ginger + cucumber + lemon – keep it in a pitcher and let the flavors steep!
52.) ginger + mint + cucumber + lemon – keep it in a pitcher and let the flavors steep!
Tips for Drinking More Water:
-drink it cold
-use a straw, I love these big straws from IKEA (1.99 for 100)! They're good for smoothies too.
-drink it out of glass mason jars. I like that they have the amounts etched on the side so you know just how much you are drinking.
-measure it out and challenge yourself.
-make a check list or phone alerts to remind yourself to drink a glass
-tell yourself you'll take a drink every time you do a certain activity
-have a chugging contest with your kids
Angie
How much Chia seeds are recommended
Ann Marie Heasley
Depends on the cup size! I do about 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon per one large 18 oz cup. You could also get wild and crazy and do 2 tablespoons. 🙂
Darcey
I'm not keen on adding in sugar (honey, stevia etc.). But the basil idea seems popular so I think I will try that.
Ian Nicholson
You could also try powdered protein, sugar free crystal light powdered drinks, use a variety and don't stick to just one type of powdered drink.
No excuses for not drinking more water.
cheryl childs
I hope this helps
Marilyn
I thought I was one of a "few" people who actually are concerned about drinking enough water, glad to know that I am not alone. As a result of getting kidney stones, my doctors have told me to drink more water as a preventative measure. I love these 50 + ideas (minus the alcohol ones), thank you. One thing that has worked for me is 'warm lemonade' as it seems like this winter has been especially cold and warm beverages are more appealing. There are different recipes but the basics are: to a small pot or teapot add: one cinnamon stick, two whole cloves, squeeze 1/2 or a whole lemon and honey to taste. Add boiling water or bring to a boil and simmer briefly. I have also tried adding fresh sliced ginger instead of the cloves for a change. Hope that you and/or your readers like it, ENJOY!
Christinna
Apple cider vinegar! I know it sounds nasty, at least that's what thought at first, but it's really quite refreshing. I put ice in my 16oz glass, add 1-2 teaspoons of Bragg's apple cider vinegar, and fill the rest with water. Drink with a straw. It helps with heartburn and bloated tummies too.
MEL
JUST BE CAREFUL I THOUGHT LAVENDER COULD BE POISONOUS http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender#Health_precautions
Laura
Put banana slices in your water! Yum!
Courtney
Watermelon!
Watermelon + cucumber!
Watermelon + cucumber + spearmint!
I HATE water, but started drinking it with this stuff in it! Totally awesome and natural and stuff!
Ann Marie Heasley
YUM!!!! I would have never though to try cucumber in there too. Thank you for the tip! I can't wait to try it in the summer.
Carla
I'm wondering if anyone has any "spicy" water ideas..sometinhg along the lines of chili pepper and lime.
Maddy
Drinking water at room temperature will make you drink more water instead of cold water because if the water is not cold it takes more of it to quench your thirst. That is why in tropical climates (I'm from India) people are discouraged from drinking cold water so you can drink plenty and stay hydrated.
Ann Marie Heasley
I dint realize that, Maddy! I'll add it to the post if you don't mind. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
Pavitr Kumar
One more recommendation from India, for people who don't like sweet stuff, you can add a mixture of ginger and cumin seeds. There is also a famous Indian drink called Jaljeera based on this, with some addditional spices. Recipe here : http://www.pankajbhadouria.com/recipes/jal-jeera.html
fola
hey! I love ur blog and I saw this pic on pinterest, I wud love to showcase these tips on my blog, with reference to ur blog as glaring as possible of course 🙂
Ashley D
I recently discovered stainless steel straws. I love them for many reasons: less waste, no plastic, and the best reason of all. . . They get cold in your drink. It makes drinking anything more fun! Great tips!
Jenn
Such a great post Ann Marie! I totally need to drink more water - it's more because I keep forgetting! Pinned!
Ann Marie
I always forget to drink more! It's tough to remember 🙂
thanks so much for the sweet words and pin, Jenn!
Jamie
I have to give a shout out to my favorite bottled water; Hint. They make flavored essence waters with nothing else added. No sugar. No artificial anything. They come in a bunch of flavors (cucumber, lime, orange pomegranate, watermelon, blackberry and, my favorite, strawberry-kiwi). They can be a little hard to find, but they're worth tracking down.
Ann Marie
Thanks for the tip, they sound yummy!
Christina @ Christina's Adventures
totally just posted about my fave fruit flavored waters - this is the way I get to drink more water!!! *great minds*... 😉
And I am SO MAD I didn't see this before I went to IKEA this morning - I want those straws!!!! I seriously drink so much more water out of straws...so bizarre!!
Ann Marie
oooh, I have to check yours out! I did the same thing when someone posted about em on instagram. Next time you just need to stock up 😉
SK Dalal
These are all great suggestions! I was surprised that ginger was not on the list! A little fresh grated ginger in water is so good, and so good for you. Ginger really helps with digestion. The Flat Belly Diet makes a Smart Water that is ginger, mint, cucumber and lemon. I leave out the mint, but use the rest. It is sooooo good! I leave a pitcher in the fridge.
Ann Marie
I only added ones I've tried and then ones that were suggested, so I added yours to the list now that it's been recommended! 🙂 I added fresh ginger to the ingredients part, and both combinations (theirs, and yours without the mint).
I will pick up some ginger next time we're at the store. I love the taste, but rarely buy it. Now that I know it's good for digestion, I'm definitely going to try it. Thanks, SK! 🙂
Tara @ Suburble
Awesome post! I was just having a chat with myself yesterday about drinking more water and not having so much pop. I will definitely be pinning this!
Ann Marie
YAY! thanks for the pin, Tara! 😉
which reminds me, grabbing my water...
elizabeth
So... Can I totally be *that girl* and chime in on the Stevia? It's not as good as the industry wants us to think. I'm in the same boat as you, pregnant and nursing and needing lots of water (and variety!). I'm totally not judging if you still want to drink it! I just wanted you to have the facts. I wouldn't have known if someone didn't tell me 🙂
http://foodbabe.com/2013/04/25/stevia-good-or-bad/
Ann Marie
When I got your comment in my email, I didn't see the link and was going to ask you for one! Be that girl. I'm that girl all the time with crap, haha! We need more people in this world who are willing to step up and be "that person." 🙂
I was intrigued as I only get my Stevia from a local natural foods store or Trader Joe's. Just went into my cabinet and took a peek. The Trader Joe's kind ONLY has the stevia leaf extract, the liquid Now brand has deionized water + organic stevia leaf extract + 11% organic alcohol. The "sweetleaf" flavored brand has "natural flavors", so I will be tossing that one. But glad to know my other ones are okay!
Thank you SO SO much for posting that article! I was very skeptical when the FDA approved it and have since avoided buying it from a larger supermarket, but haven't looked at labels. But now that I know how easy it is to make, I think I need to grow some. 😉
Just curious, have you tried safer varieties or are you staying away completely?
elizabeth
I generally steer clear of the artificial sweeteners. Even HFCS when I can help it. I haven't found a stevia that I'd feel comfortable with though. We just got a TJ's but it's far.
I'm glad the article was helpful and that you didn't mind 🙂 My friend always says 'When you know better, you do better' so I try to share info that I'd want someone to share with me!
I love your blog! I did 40 bags in 40 days and LOVED IT... until I got pregnant. Then the tireds took over and I gave up. But it was really empowering. Thanks for sharing with us!
Ann Marie
we avoid artificial sweeteners and HFCS, I really think that's what was causing the migraines I used to get! Glad to hear from another like-minded person. 🙂 So happy to hear you joined in! Hey, pregnancy takes a lot out of ya, totally get that. Starting is the hardest part 🙂
thanks again for commenting!
Ann Marie
okay. I took out "flavored stevia", and then added a disclaimer and link to the post you provided near "stevia". Thanks again!! 😀
Fia
I grow stevia in my herb garden and just crush a couple of leaves into my beverage. Whole & fresh beats processed anytime.
Shayna Rathje
So glad you used my scotch recommendation. Wasn't sure it would fly, but it is definitely my favorite thing to put in water. Haha. I went to Scotland last summer with my mom and some friends, sans my four kids (gotta love the hubby), and I have to say my love for scotch grew even more. If you haven't tried them yet, have some Dalmore, or Glenmorangie. So yummy.
Ann Marie
I have not gotten much into scotch, but before getting pregnant was digging whiskey. Will try out your recommendations when I have the chance! Your trip (and husband) sounds pretty awesome, glad you were able to get away and enjoy yourselves. 🙂
Megan
My favorite is 39. LOL! You should shy away from that one for now ;). I know what you are saying...with pregnancy and now nursing it is like I never get enough water. I love drinking water from a straw!!
Ann Marie @ whitehouseblackshutters
I love scotch. Scotchy scotch scotch. 🙂 (couldn't resist)
you need those straws! Just picked up two packs. Guess it's time for an IKEA trip/visit...