Need to drink more water but bored by the taste? That’s OK – we’ve got you covered.

Water is great because it’s free and generally available, but we get it: with all the tasty beverages around, it can be hard to get excited for a simple glass of water.

You probably know water is good for you, but how good is it?

First of all, water isn’t “just” good for you – it’s crucial for every single cell, tissue and organ in your body. Did you know you can survive around six weeks without food? It’s true, but you wouldn’t last a week without water.

Water has countless benefits. It keeps your brain and heart working properly, gives you more energy, keeps your bowels moving, helps keep you from getting sick and even boosts your mental health!

Here are some ways to sneak more water into your everyday life:

• Know how much you need.
• Set a daily goal of how much water you want to drink.
• Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
• Set reminders!
• Order water instead of a sugary or alcoholic beverage to save money and improve your health.
• Have a glass of water before every meal.
• Snack on healthy foods that are water-rich, such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumbers, tomatoes and peaches.
• Add some fun flavor to your water – check out our ideas below!

Try some of our favorite flavor hacks that are simple, delicious and won’t break the bank!

• Add some citrus! Try a slice or two of lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange.
• Add almost any fruit you like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple – even fresh pomegranate seeds!
• Try herbs for different flavors like mint, lemongrass, parsley or rosemary. Almost any herb you like will do.
• Add a little bit of juice. Tart juices like grape, apple, cherry or pomegranate are especially good diluted with a water.
• Brewing cold tea works just as well as hot tea: try hibiscus or really any herbal tea you like. Cold tea just takes a little longer to steep.

Try these hacks and tools to add more water to your day!

• Download an app to your phone or tablet that will help remind you to drink water. There are plenty of apps and trackers out there to keep you motivated!
• Try a new water bottle! A lot of reusable water bottles aren’t expensive. Find a bottle with a vibrant color or feature that you love.
• Make a plan! Write down your goals in a daily journal and check them off when you’re done.
• Fun straws aren’t just for children. Add a straw to your glass or bottle to make your drink look more interesting – and straws can even make it easier to consume more water than just drinking out of a cup.

Additional Recipes:

Get a bit more creative with our #WaterWednesday flavored water recipe series on Wednesday for some great ideas on refreshing treats that are healthy and delicious.

Do you have a hydration hack or tip that works for you? Let us know at nchpad@uab.edu or on our social media channels!