Need tips to up water consumption.

I just keep a bottle with me at all times, and try and drink a sip every 5 minutes or something.

Slice half a cucumber and put the slices in a pitcher of water. So good!

Slice half a cucumber and put the slices in a pitcher of water. So good!

That's what I did today as a matter of fact! Lemon, lime, apple and orange slices are good, so are a few chopped up raspberries and blueberries. You get the taste without all the sugar, calories, etc., or so I'm told because you only use a couple of tablespoons.

Drink more water. This is the ultimate first world problem, with the easiest solution.

Weight loss in general is a "first world problem" under your logic. If water intake/weight loss are first world problems that are so easy to solve, why are we all (including YOU) on this website? Jeez. Way to be a downer!!



ANYWAY, to the OP: I agree that finding a water bottle you love makes a huge difference. Back when I was getting used to increasing my water intake I used mio and crystal light liquid flavorings (near the other crystal light/koolaid type items in the grocery store). It really helped to get me started and now I love drinking water. My friends make fun of me because I'm ALWAYS carrying a bottle

the best way that works for me is a big glass (2 cups) before breakfast, before lunch, in the afternoon and before dinner....that's my 8 cups for the day. I usually drink it fast without stopping....

well...there's liquid juice but...don't use too much... it's not the healthiest thing but one drop won't kill you
or add lime or lemon to it....

make light real ice tea....more water than tea..still will give it a little taste.
Not can or nestle ice tea...home made all the way

Drink until your urine color is clear.

...that's what I do.

That is slightly excessive. A very pale yellow colour is ideal. If your urine is entirely clear then you are probably over-hydrated. Urine, after all, is your body expelling fluid it has finished using and doesn't have a need for. If you're expelling almost 100% water (how it would appear clear) then your body is saying thanks but no thanks.

I have to drink a gallon to a gallon and a half a day.. it's not always easy, so I carry one of those annoying gallon water jugs with me everywhere everyday. It helps me keep track of how much I have had and how much I need to finish before the day is over. Not the most exciting thing, but I found it helpful for me.

What do you mean by "have to"? As in, a doctor has prescribed it? Or you read somewhere that it was necessary? Or perhaps someone is holding a family member hostage and has threatened you with bad things if you don't? ("Have to" has a really wide range of possibilities.)

Start by making a habit. I have to have 2 glasses in before I shower, then 2 before I get to work. After that it's normally another 4 before lunch, another 4 before I go home and at least 4 more at home. Usually 2 of the glasses is hot tea and another 1 is protein shake.

I drink ice water with all my meals. It's the only liquid I have with meals. Took some time getting use to, but it's old hat now. It's hard to wash down a meal on less than 12 ounces of water for me. I probably drink about 48 ounces at lunch and dinner alone.