How to trick yourself into drinking more water
Stay hydrated, improve skin tone and gain more energy
Text: Sam Y
Drinking water and staying hydrated is a human necessity — without water, our body simply can’t function. Sixty percent of the human body is water and it helps maintain electrolyte balance and blood pressure, lubricates joints and regulates our body temperature. When we are optimally hydrated, we also feel more energised, have a dewy, youthful complexion and — in some cases — it can help drop the pounds.
We all know that health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals to about two litres, or half a gallon, of water per day. But who consistently remembers to drink your daily quota? Buying bottled water is also a no-no. Not only does it add up financially, but plastic bottles damage our environment. It’s simply not cool to be seen with one.
Want to stay optimally hydrated and looking fine? Here are some easy tricks to keep you on track.
Make your water look uber appealing
Let’s face it: a plain cup of water looks dull (especially when you put it next to your Frappuccino or bubble tea). Layer fresh fruit flavours through your glass or bottle with fruits or vegetables to add a new dimension. Mint, any citrus fruit, raspberries and cucumbers work well.
Create a daily routine
As the saying goes, motivation gets you started but good habit keeps you going. Set your morning alarm five minutes early to prepare two glasses of room temperature lemon water — lemon alkalises the system and prepares it for the day. Drinking one glass of water before each meal is also a great routine to get into as it also prevents overeating.
Change up your cup
Make drinking water more enjoyable by switching up what you’re drinking it from. Get yourself a fancy new water bottle — there are even ones that self-clean! A study conducted in 2017 by the Association for Consumer Research suggested that replacing familiar objects with an unconventional one can restore enjoyment.
… and if in doubt, add a touch of spice
Singaporeans are not afraid when it comes to the spice department so if you want to stay hydrated, now is not the time to be shy. Most people drink more water to cool their mouth down from the chilli padi overload , so you know what to do when you next order Laksa.
