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5 Easy Tips to help you drink more water throughout the day

lemon water

Is it hard for you to drink enough water each day? 

If you're like me, drinking water throughout the day is no easy feat. I find myself counting ounces and often don't reach my goal until late in the evening. And after birthing four kiddos, drinking a lot of water means making a few extra trips to the ladies' room (but that's a different story altogether)!

Especially with the triple-digit temperatures our summers often bring, staying hydrated is important. Water helps maintain your body's fluid balance, supports muscle function, may help with appetite control, and can even contribute to healthier-looking skin. One thing is certain: dehydration is no fun.

If you think you could use a little more H₂O in your day, below are five tips that may help. (For the record, the actual recommended amount varies based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and even the weather.) 

1. Have a glass of water when you first wake up, then have water with every snack or meal.
 
2. Carry water with you, especially when you leave the house. You'll find yourself taking small sips without even thinking about it, just because it's there. (Be careful about keeping plastic bottles in hot vehicles). 
 
3. Keep it spicy. This isn't scientific advice, but whenever I'm struggling to get in my daily dose of H2O, I find that eating spicier foods help! One bite of a hot pepper and I can't put my water glass down. Add a bit of crushed red pepper to your dinner plate and let the chugging begin.
 
4. Flavor your water with lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber slices. A little natural flavor can make plain water much more appealing without adding much sugar or calories.
 
5. Set up a reminder. Use your phone to log your ounces and remind you of when you're due for your next sip.