For those who struggle with dehydration, read on for creative and delicious ways to maintain a healthy hydration status. Be sure to check out other articles tagged with "water" and "hydration" for more insight!

Start drinking first thing in the morning – How does the saying go, “if you haven’t starting drinking in the morning, how can you say you’ve been drinking all day?”  Set a glass next to your bathroom sink and drink it as you get ready.  Make it a point to stop drinking several minutes before you sit down for breakfast.

Draw small boxes on your To-Do List – One box for every glass of water you need to drink.  Every time you finish a glass, check the box.  The visual will help keep track of where you are and where you want to be with your consumption.

Glam it up – Like wearing bracelets?  How about donning one for every serving of water you need to drink. As you finish a glass, move the bangle from one arm to the other.  For those that don’t get into the bling, a few rubber bands or cause bracelets will do the trick.

Drink and Drive – No, no, no, I don’t mean alcohol. Yikes!  Keep a bottle of water handy in your car and make it a point to take a sip every time you’ve stopped -whether it’s when you’re stuck in traffic, sitting at a red light or at a stop sign waiting your turn.  Don’t leave the water in the car if it’s too warm outside, though, as the container could leach undesired chemicals into your water as the temperatures fluctuate or get too high.  Besides, water that’s gotten hot in a car doesn’t taste very good and really isn't potable or safe!

Toast while you toast – Make a delicious blend from the suggestions below and put it in a fancy wine glass.  While you prepare dinner, sip on the libation and raise a glass to your good health!

Play a Trigger Word game – Pick a word… “water” is an obvious choice but whatever the word is, whenever you hear it, you have to take a sip…of water, of course.

Sip & Shop – My grandmother always said, “shopping makes you thirsty!”.  It also can give some a headache (and I'm not talking about husbands who see the bill!).  Keep a small bottle of water in your pocket or purse and sip while you spend.  You’ll find you’re a lot less cranky when unloading the car when you get home and your head will thank you.

Measure it out – It takes a bit of space and makes dishes but this is an effective exercise until it becomes a habit: fill as many glasses of water that you aim to drink that day and set them out on the counter.  As you finish a glass, put it in the dishwasher and pat yourself on the back.

Pitch it – Water bottles are convenient but overrated and drinking out of a glass doesn’t make the water any less wet or taste any different.  Get a pitcher and measure out the amount you need to drink and fill your glass or bottle throughout the day until your pitcher is empty.  You can pretend like you’re a dignitary that has royal service and use a fancy crystal decanter.  The water will taste the same, though!  

Eat your water – One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to eat your water. Include in your diet fresh fruits, vegetables, and soups that have a high water content as they can count toward your personalized goal. This is an excellent way to guarantee you are getting electrolytes and keep yourself from becoming over hydrated (yes, that's a real thing!).  

Whatever way you choose, remember to use a safe vessel (watch out for BPA, BFA, BHPF, BPS, synthetic polymers...it's easier to just drink out of a glass container!) sip (not guzzle) your water and, whichever method appeals to you, remember to use good quality sourced water.  If enjoying it plain, be sure to include a few drops of liquid minerals or a dash of sea salt and/or maple syrup or molasses in every serving to help maintain balanced electrolytes.  

Save for comfort sips, stop drinking about 2 hours before bedtime to eliminate dead of night trips to the loo.  And if your wondering how much water you need to drink, ask your favorite FNTP (that’s me!) for guidance on a hydration plan that is tailored to your bio-individual, uniquely-created, very special you!

Down the hatch!
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP

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