Annabel Bateman | What Annabel Cooks

I’m writing these tips for drinking more water for my benefit as much as yours! I think for months I’ve been dehydrated. I know I should drink more water but I get busy, distracted or just can’t be bothered going to the toilet so often so avoid drinking water (I know there are other issues I probably need to work on too ;-)).  Several weeks ago I asked on my Facebook Page for some tips from others on how they stay hydrated so I thought I’d compile them into 1 spot for us all to benefit from.

Be accountable.

Whether it’s getting a friend to check in or a family member or even health professional.

 “A written agreement with My GP & water bottles with markings on the side of water levels. I’m still not making the grade but getting closer to the goal than I have been before” Rose.

Carry a water bottle (glass or stainless steel preferably).

Sounds simple and most of us do it anyway but not only does this mean we are more likely to drink more it avoids buying water when we’re out.

I have a water bottle and consciously have to remember to have a drink. I have about a cup before I eat every meal as well. Vicki

Know how much to drink.

I know there is a variety of advice about this but I think 2-3L/day for an adult seems to be in the range. If you’re not sure how much for you, do some research or talk to a health professional.

It’s important to know how much to drink. I’ve been working with a very good personal trainer and he advise 1 litre per 25kgs of body weight plus 1 litre for every hour of exercise. I always have a 1 litre water bottle with me and make a conscious effort to have a few sips every 15-30 mins. Starting your day with a tall glass or 2 of water is a great head start. It also flushes out toxins built up over night and activates internal organs ☺️ Donna. 

Keep jugs of water in various places.

Make it easy to drink water. I’ve started leaving a cask of filtered water in my office so I can easily refill my bottle without even going to the sink. Lazy I know, but it is helping.

I keep a 2 litre jug of lemon water or sugar free cordial on the kitchen bench with a cup next to it. Every time I walk into the kitchen or past it I drink. Kitchen is in the middle of the house so I am constantly passing it. Christina

 Make rules. 

I’ve learnt it’s easier sometime to have rules for yourself – takes the ‘choice’ out of it. For example I have a rule that I don’t eat gluten so that makes it very easy when eating out or faced with food containing gluten – it’s not even a choice for me. I think I need a rule around water….

I have quite a daily ritual/routine. One glass with a couple of drops of lemon as soon as I wake each morning, then have a glass beside me for every session (1hr duration). I have a rule to drink the whole glass and refill for the next. Maria. 

Pace yourself.

This follows really from the rule tip – if you have a rule about drinking a certain amount before breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime that can help spread out the intake throughout the day.

I drink 500ml in the morning before work. 1L at work, then I have another 500ml to 1L after work/dinner/before bed. I try to stick to a certain limit over a certain period of time. Kylie.
2x 1L bottles. One to be gone by lunch. Other by dinner. 🙌🏼 Fleur 

Use technology.

There are quite a few apps that help you stay hydrated. I have one that sends me notifications to drink. Sometimes I actually even pay attention to them.

I have an Ulla. Lisa + Kristy (An Ulla is a clip you attached to your water bottle and it flashes to remind  you to take a sip… https://www.ulla.io/)

My daughter has an app. It has a plant that you need water. If you don’t drink enough it dies. She’s always reminding us all to drink more. Leanne Maree. (I like the idea of this one!)

Add flavour to your water.

Whether it’s a slice of lemon or some sprigs of mint or a drop or 2 of high quality essential oils, adding flavour keeps drinking water a little more interesting. My favourite doTERRA essential oils to add to my water are lemon, lime + Smart & Sassy (a blend of grapefruit, peppermint, ginger, lemon & cinnamon).

I add some lemon essential oil in a water bottle and I enjoy it more, which is an incentive to drink more. Maria J.

Have fun vessels to drink from. 

Whether it’s a funky cup a drink bottle that monitors your intake, a wine glass with sparkling water… variety is the spice of life!

Just drink it. 

I guess when it comes down to it, you just have to do it!!
Thanks to by brother for this very direct tip!

Know that you need to drink more water…. Drink it. Richard. 

Drink Wine 🤣🍷

Just joking… although a few of you did second this tip!

I drink a lot of wine the night before.  Lisa 😉 

There is another whole post about hydration – some tips in the FB post where about how to stay hydrated, which is slightly different to tips for drinking more water, so I might tackle that one another day.

Happy drinking, Annabel x