There’s a simple way to boost your metabolism, perk up your digestion and put hunger on the sidelines. 

Drink water. Then drink some more.

 It’s the single easiest thing you can do to help your health and boost your fat-burning ability. As an added bonus, it makes you feel good. Who doesn’t want to feel good and have more energy?

The first step I took with my #holshealthyhabits was to start drinking more water. This may not seem like a big step but I’ve learned it’s crucial to weight loss success. Flushing out your system and helping your organs and enzymes function at their peak places less stress on your body. The average human is 75% water and you can go without food for days but way less time without water – it’s crucial!

Drink Up: 10 Ways To Get More Water

1. Drink up at meals: One of the habits my parents instilled in my family was having a big 16 oz glass of water at dinner time. I have since taking to doing this at every meal time. This is a really easy way to get 48 oz of water in without doing anything special.
2. Set a reminder: A favourite tip I learned from a past co-worker was to schedule your walking break & water when you are a desk jockey. She would literally book in her Outlook calendar when she was planning to get up – and then she’d walk upstairs to the cafeteria to get her water on her 15 min break. When I’m not being a desk jockey but rather the MOM – I use the Plant Nanny app (free). 
3. Sitting down? Put it in front of you. You know the old out of sight, out of mind rule? Get sipping by putting your glass or bottle in front of you. You’ll have emptied your container before you know it. 
4. Throw something in it: I get bored with drinking plain water at times too. So get creative. My favourites to add: ice cubes, fresh mint, oranges or lemons (or both), blueberries, cucumber. You can also add food-grade essential oils. Try to avoid the powdered mixes you find at the store – a lot of them contain aspartame – read the label.
5. Add a straw: Just something about adding a straw seems to make those oz go down easier!
6. <strong”>Drink during your workout:  In my regular workout, I’m always with my water bottle. I can easily swig back 16-32 oz just by bringing it along.
7. Label your containers with times: Some people prefer to see all their water upfront, so they pack a few bottles which they mark how many oz they would like to drink by certain timeframes. If you haven’t by then – it’s glugging time.
8. Visual? Try the bracelets: Put the corresponding number of bracelets on your left wrist as how many glasses, when you drink one, transfer to the right.
9. Try different types: Tap, spring, reverse osmosis, sparkling, and filtered are just a few. Try all the types & figure out your favourites. 
10. Buy yourself an inspiring water bottle: Recently, I got 3 glass bottles from LifeFactory to try out. I have been eyeing them for quite a while but haven’t taken the plunge. This little glass 16 oz bottle with green silicone sleeve and straw cap has been my constant companion for the past month.

 
If you’re not familiar with LifeFactory, they are a US based company that produces glass water bottles that are BPA-free. The bottles come with a variety of top options for the whole family. The baby & kids line includes bottles & sippy cups in a variety of sizes.  The adult line includes sizes from 12-22 oz and a selection of caps like flip, straw or classic. 

Mr J was so excited to have a water bottle just like mommy – in his favourite colour, blue. It has been his constant companion also, and I have filled it with everything from water to juice to almond milk. I love that it easily goes into the dishwasher and the straw still comes out clean. He has been rough with it, as two year olds often are. Our tile floor has claimed many glasses and plates. But even with some direct smashes, this glass bottle was able to keep up with him. I credit the silicone sleeve for that one.

Miss P has been learning to eat so we have been offering her the 9 oz royal purple sippy cup but we soon found it was just too big for her hands. We purchased the 4 oz yellow baby bottle locally and were able to use the sippy spout on it. It was awesome not to have to go out and find yet another piece. I love that they can grow & be reused in a variety of ways. 

My favourite part (other than terrific hydration) was that the bottle fit in all my cup holders. Even the one on my stroller, which nothing usually fits in. My green bottle traveled through two road trips, many stroller walks, every day and got dubbed “mommy juice” the highest possible award. I tried juicer juice, smoothies and water in mine & due to the large width of the straw it was able to work. I’m considering investing in a classic cap or another bottle for juice.
 
What way will you try to get more water this week?