I find it funny that I’m a Pisces (one of the zodiac water signs,) and the only body of water I’m drawn to is the one in my cup. My daughter jokes about how I’m never in the water, just carrying it around with me wherever I go. It’s true, but I don’t prefer drinking water just plain.
If you’re like me and not a fan of drinking water plain, check out three ways to make water healthier, taste better, and even more fun! Fun is key for kids of any age.
If you’re like me and not a fan of drinking water plain, check out three ways to make water healthier, taste better, and even more fun! Fun is key for kids of any age.
HYDRATION FOR HEALTH
When I hear “I have a headache” in our home, my knee-jerk response is, “how much water have you drank today?” Your body is around two-thirds water. If you’re not drinking enough water, your cells are like shriveled-up raisins instead of plump juicy grapes. That’s exactly how I explained it to our daughters when they were little.
Every cell in your body requires water to work correctly. Cells are the building blocks of all living things – including you, your tissues (connective, nervous, muscle, skin), and organs (brain, heart, liver, kidney, lungs, and digestive tract.)
Without enough water, your body lets you know with dry skin, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, constipation, and hunger – even sugar cravings. Water also strengthens your immune system and helps fight infection, flushing toxins, waste, and bacteria from the body. So next time you’re sick, think water!
The amount of water required for health varies. Your body size, gender, activity level, climate, and health status all play a role in how much water you should drink a day. However, an easy rule of thumb to stay well-hydrated is to drink enough water so you’re never thirsty and the color of your urine resembles lemonade. For most healthy adults, that equates to around an ½ to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
Here’s the problem: most of us don’t prefer drinking just water. Plain water is plain boring. So here are my three favorite ways to jazz up water to be more fun. They not only make water taste better, but they also boost its nutritional value.
Without enough water, your body lets you know with dry skin, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, constipation, and hunger – even sugar cravings. Water also strengthens your immune system and helps fight infection, flushing toxins, waste, and bacteria from the body. So next time you’re sick, think water!
ADD LEMON
Adding a slice of lemon is the easiest way to boost your water. Lemons are high in vitamin C and soluble fiber (if you eat the pulp of the lemon, not just the juice.) Plus, the acid aids digestion, and its phytonutrients help protect cells from oxidation (becoming ‘rusty.’)
When the girls were younger, I made stevia lemonade. Now they make it on their own (yes!) You can make it by the glass, but it goes fast! So we make stevia lemonade by the quart: squeeze three lemons, mix with 1-quart water, and add drops of liquid stevia to your preferred taste.
ADD VEGGIES
The first time I tried cucumber water was at a spa. So easy and delicious. Like lemons, cucumbers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Like greens, cucumbers also have vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting.
Adding greens to water usually makes it taste like grass. Not good! So here’s my favorite way to add superfood greens – even spirulina and chlorella – without the nasty taste. Bonus: each serving contains two full servings of organic vegetables. Even those who eat a lot of veggies can fall short daily – especially when it comes to green vegetables.
ADD ELECTROLYTES
Up north on vacation, I ran out of my electrolyte workout drink. My daughter jokingly poked some fun at me, “Mom! So you’re going to drink just water?!?” It was a bit drab.
Electrolytes are minerals that help muscle contraction and fluid balance. They also help the body absorb water. You lose water and electrolytes throughout the day, but especially during exercise or when you sweat.
Unlike most electrolyte drinks, it’s free from artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and even sugar! The lemon-lime flavor makes a great grab-and-go lemon/limeade, or Arnold Palmer mixed with ice tea. It also makes a darn good margarita base (add tequila, fresh-squeezed lime, and a salt-rimmed glass!)
It’s never been easier to make water healthier, taste better, and even more fun! Any way you choose, adding lemon, veggies, or electrolytes will not only make your water taste better but also boost its nutritional value. So dive in and try one new way and let me know what you think. I may fear the deep water but will gladly dive into a soul-deep conversation with you any day.
#WeAreInThisTogether for #HealthyChange
Rise stronger,
P.S. If you’re eating healthy but still struggling with nagging symptoms or just feeling lackluster overall, don’t give up! Discover The Biggest Mistake You Might Be Making Eating Healthy.
About the Author: Dr. Sue
Sue McCreadie, MD (aka Dr. Sue), is a Pediatric Physician and Breakthrough Coach for Midlife Mamas. For over two decades, she’s helped thousands achieve vibrant health as a wellness expert. Bringing three daughters into this world, she lost four along the way, and crossed the pregnancy finish line a digestive–hormonal–emotional mess. But, over the following decade, she found a deeper meaning for miscarriages, reclaimed vibrant health, and grew emotional resiliency. Dr. Sue is obsessed with living her soulFULL purpose and helping other growth-minded Mamas do the same. She believes we are in this together to rise up, realize our dreams, and feel fulfilled in every facet of our lives.