How can you can drink more water? Here are 10 ways

I drink a lot of water. Like, a lot. I interviewed Australian sports star Kerri Pottharst the other day, she is a triple Olympian who has two Olympic medals. Speaking with her was very inspiring – she spoke to me about how to set a winning mindset and achieve your goals.

Advice from an Olympian, on water 

One thing she said was that, “As an athlete, I learnt so much in my career; I want to help corporates think more like athletes. Not just in their mindset but to look at their eating and hydration, and also incidental movement. I also teach my clients about recovery which enables them to reach the next level.”

She said to me that “no one drinks enough water.” Secretly, I thought to myself – “I know that I do.”

So – how much water do I drink? Probably about 3-4 litres per day. That’s 0.66 – 0.88 gallons. I crave water and I always have it close to me. Since I love it so much, I have gathered a few tips here from my research and also from personal experience as to how you might be able to drink more water.

10 ways to drink more water

1. Flavour your water with a bit of juice or cordial – not very much, say only about 5 – 10%.
2. Make sure your water is very cold – as it’s more refreshing.
3. Keep bottles of water by your bed, and drink some the minute you wake up.
4. Eat watermelon – it contains a lot of water and helps to hydrate you.
5. Drink herbal teas – unsweetened and with no milk, these will hydrate you as much as water.
6. Take a break from your desk every hour and have half a cup from the water cooler – even if you don’t feel like it.
7. Sip water with your meals. I also like to drink before a meal to make sure I am not confusing hunger with thirst.
8. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon to your water.
9. Or try cayenne pepper! It may sound weird but it’s spicy and interesting.
10. Try sparkling mineral water instead of plain water – it keeps things interesting.

Why should you drink more water?

One very good reason is that it might help to keep you thin. According to Web MD, “Water can help control calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn’t have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.”

I can’t remember which ‘supermodel’ said this, but I think it may be the infamous Naomi Campbell. I will paraphrase her but I think she said, “My two best beauty secrets are get lots of sleep and drink lots of water.”

She is a controversial chick. She has had to serve time in the community for various assaults on people and some other bad behaviour. But, I do agree with her on the water issue.

A herbal tea to try

One of my favourite herbal teas is sage tea. This is a very savoury tea – not sweet at all, more like a herb. I remember a friend used to give me this tea when I was anxious and upset and it has a very calming property. You can dry your own sage leaves and infuse in hot water or buy sage tea online from various health food stores. I just love Hilda Hemmes Herbs – check out her wonderful site and buy some.

A final thought on water

“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”

― Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad