I hate water. How do I increase my water intake?

thelovelyLIZ

I was not a water fan either until I quit soda cold turkey. Never looked back.

Try some tea though! Virtually no calories, so it's a great way to get some fluid in your diet.

Celeigh12

I hated water too until I gave up diet soda. It's been a little over two months and now water tastes pretty good to me. Just thought I'd throw it in there in case you are a soda drinker!

snewsome7

Mio Liquid water enhancer.

^^this

OccupyFitness

I got a glass water bottle so I can do half cold tap water and half boiling water so it is very warm but not hot. It helps me a lot (I often feel cold so it appeals to me to drink something warm). I still struggle getting all my water done in the day. Good luck!

tigersword

Drink tea, drink soda, juice, Crystal Light, Mio, coffee, etc. No reason to drink plain water if you don't like it. It's not some special, magic elixer, it's just a no calorie beverage. Anything else you prefer to drink will keep you just as hydrated, you just have to be mindful of any calories.

Robin_Bin

*Water*

This topic has come up multiple times. Look at some of the previous posts for some great ideas. I've compiled some of them here for your convenience. This post has a summary of some of the key points followed by some suggestions related to each point.

First, quite telling yourself that you don't like water. Like any change in behavior, you can sabotage yourself by convincing yourself you can't do it or that it's going to be terribly hard.

Second water can taste different. Tap water in different places and from different sources is different. So, don't just assume you don't like any water.

Third, water tastes and feels different at various temperatures and in different containers.

Fourth, don't try to drink too much water at once. Your body handles it much better a little bit at a time.

Fifth, there are many no to low calorie flavors you can add to water.

Sixth, miscellaneous other topics.

And finally at the end, there is a list of other pages -- Web sites and previous postings.

Good luck!

========== 1 Attitude ==========
Why are you trying to drink more water? Your health? To help you eat less? To be more hydrated? To avoid drinking other higher caloric drinks or foods? Keep your motivation in mind.

Don't keep reinforcing the belief that you can't drink water or don't like it. There are many options. The ones that work for you will depend on your reasons and tastes. Stop telling yourself things like, "I hate water." or "Water tastes bad to me." Many tastes are acquired and can change. In the meantime, find things that are better for you and try to make the experience of drinking water enjoyable.

Depending on your reasons, the various suggestions below may work better or worse for you. For instance, if you're interested in weight loss, water is a "filler" that makes you feel less hungary without calories, and it would be important for you to use low or no calorie additives. But if hydration for exercise is your main motivation, drinks with electrolyte replacements may be more important to you. There is some research showing that drinks with sugar and salt will be better absorbed by the body than plain water.

Water isn't the only thing you can drink to stay hydrated or to fill-up. It is generally a healthy, inexpensive drink. But if you truly don't like it or the options below, there are other things you can drink.

========== 2 Different Water ==========
All water does not taste (or feel) the same. Water from different sources and treated in different ways will taste different. (Where I used to live, the tap water tasted fine at home, but not at my workplace. Same city supply system. Go figure! Different pipes?)

Try different waters. Tap, filtered, carbonated, different brands, etc.

Also, be aware that some bottled waters add salt. If you're exercising and trying to regain salt as well as water, that may be good, but for people watching their sodium or salt intake, check the label. (Sometimes the big advertising words say "minerals"... remember salts are minerals.) Some people find this easier to drink than "plain" water. Salt may help your body absorb water, but it can also be a problem for people with high blood pressure or other reasons to reduce their salt intake.

There's the feeling and taste of water in your mouth, but also in your stomach. Some people report that very cold water makes their stomachs uncomfortable or even hurt. Obviously, that can be a disincentive to drinking more.

On the other hand, some people find that carbonated water helps settle their stomachs.

* distilled water
* filter your water
- where I grew up there was lots of iron in the soil, and so in the water. It had a horrible, metallic taste.
- Kangen water (expensive filter for tap water)
- some people are more sensitive to the taste of additives they put into drinking water to make it safe or protect your teeth, like fluoridation
- in some places, even the tap water is a bit salty
* try carbonated water
- there are many different kinds so check out a few, but be careful, some add sweeteners or salt (which can be good or bad depending on your situation)
- I started with carbonated, flavored water, but eventually got used to plain water and actually prefer it now. (See more suggestions for flavorings and brands in section 4 below.)
* water/fruit infusion pitcher
* bottled water, some common brands
- Dasani (has salt)
- Evian
- Aquafina
- Fiji
- Poland Spring

Remember that as you get used to different food (and drinks) and ways of eating your sense of what's good may change. I know that once I take some of the super-sweetened things out of my diet, I become more sensitive to the sweetness in other things. So give yourself a few days to get used to the change. Some people felt like they had to "force" themselves to drink more water initially, but then grew to desire it. Like any other habit it may be hard at first.

========== 3 Temperature and Container ==========
Many people who don't like water at room temperature are ok with it at a very cold or almost boiling temperature. In addition to the temperature, the container and convenience can make a difference.

I also find that cold water sometimes tastes better. For some people very cold, almost frozen water is best; others prefer hot water.

Some people with sensitive teeth, prefer drinks at room temperature.

And a container can help keep the water at the right temperature. The wrong glass or mug can make the water taste worse. Another thing... someone mentioned drinking water out of a container you like. That can be very important. Water out of a metal holder may taste metallic. Water out of a glass that still has some dishwasher detergent residue in it tastes awful! I prefer a clean, clear glass or a ceramic mug (sometimes chilled), but you may like something else. Try a few things and see.

Some people find water (or any drink) more palatable through a straw.

Bottled water in plastic, in the heat can pick up an odd taste, and possible some odd chemicals from the warmed plastic. (Snopes.com says that part of this is myth, but not all.)

Suck on ice.

* try different temperatures
- some water that I hate at room temperature is ok with ice or chilled
- or try heated (optional: with tea or other flavor)

========== 4 Amount and Speed ==========
I see a few people suggest "chugging" water. That can actually be dangerous and bad for you. Ok, probably for a glass or two, but not these folks who try to drink 32, 64 or more ounces at once. (More information in some of the references at the end.)

You're probably ok... just don't drink multiple glasses quickly. As someone else suggested, keep water handy and drink it a bit at a time throughout the day. In addition to the water intoxication or poisoning (see links below), you can stretch out your stomach. I know a woman who got an infection due to the regular stretching and then folding of her stomach when she was drinking about 32 oz each night to "catch up" on what she was supposed to eat during the day.

Like anything... food, sleep, exercise, the key is finding the right balance for your body instead of doing crazy-extreme things. As the articles below suggest, part of the problem with too much water can be the watering down of other necessary nutrients or electrolytes. As with all health information, consider the source and be careful.

Try to keep a glass or bottle of water nearby and sip it occasionally throughout the day.

Also, keep a shot glass in kitchen, every time you go by, take a shot. Gets it down without having to face the whole glass.

* try smaller quantities at a time
- just sitting (or better standing) there drinking water is not many people's idea of a good time, but...
- keep a bottle or glass of water by you and sip it while you're doing other things, and you may not notice the taste as much

========== 5 Adding Flavors ==========
A little lemon or lime juice can make water much more palatable for people who don't like plain water without adding many calories.

Try no or low cal flavorings:
- if you don't like lemon, do you like other citrus (I prefer lime.)
- or do you like mint? A bit of crushed mint can add a nice flavor.
- stem of rosemary (soak for awhile), sprig of mint
- sliced fresh ginger (soak in water overnight)
- frozen or crushed fruit
> orango, lemon, lime - slices or squeezed juice
> strawberries, watermelon, blackberries
> mint leaves
> cranberries
> frozen raspberries or cranberries
> crushed plums or cherries
- cold water with cucumber slices
- a tiny (and i mean tiny) bit of no added sugar cordial
- almond extract

Teas and coffees:
Depending on the type and quality of the tea or coffee, different amount of sweeteners may be added. Some people will prefer it with milk or cream, that adds calories. Caffeine varies by the different kinds, and whether caffeine is a problematic ingredient will depend on your motivation for drinking water.

Licorice tea - Stash makes a nice licorice spice caffeine free herbal tea. Licorice is a natural sweetener, so the tea needs no sugar. It's very sweet.
Caveats: I have no association with Stash except as a happy customer. Stash warns that, "Licorice root is not intended for use during pregnancy and while nursing, or if you have heart disease or high blood pressure."

Herbal teas, several people recommended hibiscus tea
Black, green and white teas all have varying amount of caffeine, and caffeine is a diarrhetic, so it dehydrates you off-setting the value of the water. (Keep your goal in mind. Are you trying to be more hydrated for exercise, to fill yourself up, so you eat less, or something else? The importance of dehydrating side effects will depend on the reasons you're trying to drink more water. You still get some hydration from caffeinated beverages, but not as much as from something that isn't caffeinated. Experts disagree on the amount of off-set.)

Honey's nice, but it adds some calories too. It's especially good in hot water. Add citrus (lemon or lime), if you like.

Artificial flavors
I don't like artificial sweeteners or flavors. They give some people a bad after-taste, headache or other side-effects, but if you're ok with them…
Crystal Light
Smart Water.
Archer Farms natural drink mix packets ?
MIO
Propel
Fiji, Smartwater, and Pellgrino (carbonated)
Sobe Lifewater 0-But does have minimal salt & carbs
Green tea
Hawaiian Punch packets
"Polar Blast"
Torani Sugar-Free Raspberry, Black Cherry, Lime, or Orange syrups
Slim Quick stuff
Lifewater or Vitamin Water Zero. They taste great!
Also I drink water over ice with fresh lemon and sweet n low
Diet Peach Tea Snapple
diet sodas (some people think that a sweet taste will kick up insulin production and cause more hunger)

Flavored carbonated water
* Italian sparkling water - flavored,
* flavored seltzer
Some brands that people have recommended:
Try True Lemon products. They are sugar and artificial sweetener free and they have lemon, lime, orange and other flavors.
You could also try sparkling water, my favorite is La Croix. They have lemon, lime, berry, grapefruit and a couple more I think.
I started with the Cap [Cap10] carbonated, flavored water, but eventually got used to plain water and actually prefer it now.
a water called HINT

Other drinks (may have more calories)
Gatorade or Powerade
Emergen-C - has a variety of flavors, adds about 25 calories per packet, but also adds vitamins and minerals, can be used to flavor cold or warm water
coconut water (not coconut milk, but the water of fresh, green young coconuts) 46 calories per 8 ounces, is high in potassium, but also very high in sodium for a fruit juice--280mg/8 ounces! Naked brand coconut water in carton tastes good but more expensive than Vitacoco and O.N.E.in carton.

========== Miscellaneous ==========

Juice and liquid in foods (stew, smoothies, etc.) help keep your body hydrated too. (See references and links regarding the 8 8oz. glasses of water myth below.) Water is not the only way to stay hydrated. But, dehydration is dangerous. Among other things, it can contribute to gallstone problems.

In addition, if you're not used to exercising as much as you do now as you work towards becoming more fit, you may not have gotten into the habit or even realized that when you loose more water as you exercise, you need to imbibe more water. Another situation where this can be important is for those on high protein diets that tend to make your kidneys work harder.

Alcoholic beverages have two liquid solvents -- water and alcohol. So, they still contribute to your

1 US Cup = 236.588237 Milliliters
Some people say to adjust the amount of water (or liquid) based on your current body weight. A reasonably common recommendation is to drink .5 oz. of water for each pound that you weigh. Using this rule of thumb someone weighing 180 lb., would need to drink 90 oz. or the equivalent of 11 and 1/4 cups of water a day. Another way to calculate it is by calorie consumption, drink .034 ounces for each calorie. So, if you're at 1500 calories for the day, you'd drink 51 oz. All these measurements are averages; they don't take into account whether you are getting extra exercise or if it's a very hot day.

========== References ==========

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/water-drinks.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/drinking-enough-water-topic-overview
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_intoxication
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/5/f/blwaterintox.htm
http://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/flat-belly-diet/flat-belly-diet-and-sassy-water?page=2
http://www.snopes.com/medical/myths/8glasses.asp
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/plasticbottles.asp
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jul/13/myth-eight-glasses-water-day
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2008/07/wellness-water-8x8-myth.html
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/12/08/the-myth-behind-drinking-8-glasses-of-water-a-day/
http://www.divinecaroline.com/22178/46361-coffee-makes-dehydrated-say-what
http://worldofcaffeine.com/2011/06/14/caffeine-does-not-dehydrate/
http://advance.uconn.edu/2002/020722/02072207.htm
http://nomoredirtylooks.com/2011/04/surprise-caffeinated-tea-does-not-dehydrate-you/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/nutrition/04real.html
http://www.sharecare.com/question/does-caffeine-dehydrate-not
http://www.artofdrink.com/2009/12/caffeine-in-coffee-does-not-increase-dehydration-during-hangovers.php
http://www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions/do-caffeinated-beverages-cause-dehydration.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5552790&page=1#.TrQWc0O5_oo
http://www.myfooddiary.com/resources/ask_the_expert/recommended_daily_water_intake.asp

Commercial Products (No endorsement implied)
http://www.truelemon.com/
http://www.lacroixwater.com/
http://www.absopure.com/in-stores/products/cap10-sparkling-mineral-water.php
http://www.torani.com/home/products
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=17087690

Other MyFitnessPal Message Board Postings
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/570790-i-hate-water
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/529815-water

For a bit of related humor, see http://www.snopes.com/science/dhmo.asp

jbakerak

I hated water forever too. My husband bought some distilled water one day and it wasn't gross because it didn't have taste. So now I drink either distilled or natural spring water, I also drink it room temperature most of the time. If I drink it cold, I only drink small amounts. But I also know someone that can't drink it warm. I think my problem was I didn't care for it cold, and the warmer it is the more you can taste the additives they put in the water. So...warm distilled or spring water. Try it. Or try Yerba Mate tea, love it, can actually drink it without sweetening it with anything. (I drink it cold or room temperature)

flopsy1973

I don't like still water but i will drink fizzy water so that how i get round it :drinker:

sunnyday789

Not going to quote the long post as don't want to fill up pages, but.......

You don't have to make yourself like water, or get over it, or acquire a taste for it. If you don't like it, as tigersword stated above pretty much any liquid will do.

Spend your energy on eating healthy or exercising, not trying to like or do something you don't like that doesn't matter.

bashmir

when you drink juice put half water in the cup.

catnthat

You can use 0 cal flavour packs but the crap in them usually out weighs their long term use. Drink it, don't sip it. Drink it by the glass like it's beer and ur trying to get drunk, down a cup in a couple of seconds. Start the day with a full glass of water, b4 u eat anything. U will get used to it. Try it cold or room temp, you will probably find one goes down easier than the other. But the real trick, if you don't like it, is to drink it down fast (without gulping in air) and not sip it like a drink. Oh and I use a Brita filter.

ChasingSweatandTears

Also, on the acid in the lemon... that's not bad for your body. It may not be the best for your teeth if you're drinking lemon juice all day, but when ingested lemon juice actually has an alkalizing effect in your body and does not create an increase in your PH or lead to acidity in your blood.

EchoOfYourPast

I drink mine room temp...don't care for it cold.....i carry bottles of water with me everywhere...or else i wouldn't drink any....i take 3 bottles with me to work....when it is sitting in front of me it is easier to drink I had to learn to drink water as well...before i started drinking water all i drank was coffee 24/7. I don't drink as much coffee now

San

babygurl48

Just guzzle it. If sipping on it sucks, pour yourself a huge glass of barely cool or room temp water and then just down it all at once.
Do this several times a day and you've hit your water intake! Sip on other stuff throughout the day.
The "pain" is temporary, the benefits are worthwhile!

This is what I do too!

sunnyday789

Just guzzle it. If sipping on it sucks, pour yourself a huge glass of barely cool or room temp water and then just down it all at once.
Do this several times a day and you've hit your water intake! Sip on other stuff throughout the day.
The "pain" is temporary, the benefits are worthwhile!

This is what I do too!

There are no benefits to drinking plain water over other fluids for the purposes of hydration. Drink what you enjoy.
Why endure the "pain:?

VictorW2

Water with lemon is absolutely fine! In fact it helps keep the body alkaline , not acidic. And room temp is best for proper absorption and cleansing. So if you find that is the best way to take in water , keep it up ! Your doing awesome !

ChasingSweatandTears

Just guzzle it. If sipping on it sucks, pour yourself a huge glass of barely cool or room temp water and then just down it all at once.
Do this several times a day and you've hit your water intake! Sip on other stuff throughout the day.
The "pain" is temporary, the benefits are worthwhile!

This is what I do too!

There are no benefits to drinking plain water over other fluids for the purposes of hydration. Drink what you enjoy.
Why endure the "pain:?

Personally I don't want to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of artificial sweeteners, or sugar, or any other thing that seems to be in most other beverages. It's actually not painful for me anymore. I love my water now, it just took some time. Now that water is my primary beverage, my skin looks healthier, my stomach hurts less and I generally feel better.

Barnesy90

Have you tried Redbush tea because I try to have at least 3 large cups of that a day, you can get redbush with honey and redbush with vanilla that makes it slightly sweeter without adding calories.

ChasingSweatandTears

Have you tried Redbush tea because I try to have at least 3 large cups of that a day, you can get redbush with honey and redbush with vanilla that makes it slightly sweeter without adding calories.

Is that like rooibos? I love that stuff! Good suggestion

Barnesy90

It's exactly the same as Rooibos, I don't drink regular tea at all now.