Drinking water has many benefits, including clearer skin and rejuvenation, but it can sometimes feel like a chore. Because our bodies are made up of 55-60% water, we must drink enough to keep our organs functioning well so they can last a lifetime. More importantly, we need to instill healthy habits in our children.
Simple parenting tips to drink plenty of water.
If you ask yourself why you enjoy drinking things other than water so much, it's likely due to the variety of flavors in those beverages. Adding flavor is an excellent way to change how you think of water. You can do this by infusing your water with something like lemons, mint, or cucumbers. If you've picked something like lemons or cucumbers, slice them up and place them in a water pitcher. Fill the pitcher with water and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. You'll discover a version of water you never knew existed!
If young children refuse to drink water, try adding it to their fruit juices. Add water to dilute their apple, grape, or orange juice. As they grow accustomed to the not-so-sweet version of their favorite juice, you can begin infusing their water just as you do yours, and they'll likely enjoy it just as much as their favorite juice. You may find that by incorporating more water into your children's diet, they'll gradually begin to eat less junk food.
Make water the more convenient option. Rather than having juice boxes and soda in the fridge, keep bottled water, soda water, and infused water ready to grab and go. Invest in dishwasher-safe tumblers, reusable bottles, and refillable water pouches if you are worried about creating too much waste from disposable plastic water bottles.
Make it a part of your routine. Most of us have a morning routine involving drinking a hot coffee. While coffee is one of the most incredible things on this earth, it is a natural diuretic and can lead to dehydration. To counter the water loss from drinking coffee, drink a glass before each meal and before bed.
Keep a fresh cup or bottle of water on your nightstand. As soon as you wake up, drink the water before getting up and moving. Adding water to your routine will not only help combat dehydration during the day, but it's a great way to revitalize your organs before getting up and putting them to work.
These are just a few ways to ensure you and your family drink plenty of water. Get the family more involved in a healthy lifestyle by tracking your progress with a mobile chore chart app and reward with a universal wish list like Wishfinity.