Don't like drinking water? Enjoyable ways to ensure you're hydrated and healthy

No matter how many medical adviseries come out about the benefits of drinking water or the dangers of not drinking enough water, there is still that large percentage of the population locking their lips at the urgency to drink it. Many cannot get beyond the bland taste and therefore opt out. Others can't get beyond the immediate belly full of bloating and sloshing. Whatever your reasons, the following tips will be effective in helping you get over this hurdle and begin taking in sufficient amounts of water.
 

First here's what you already know, the human body is made up of about 70% water and muscles about 75%. Therefore the free flowing gift from nature is vital to sustaining life. The amount of acids, chemicals and solids, we intake would literally annihilate us, BOOM! Meats, carbohydrates, and other proteins require water to breakdown in our digestive systems. What if the food you ate could not be digested? Water is necessary to create enough juices to help mush those solids up and break them down to be flushed out. With that said, water is also key in weight loss and body building.
 

Here's the good news that you may not know, you don't have to try and force 8 glasses of water a day down your throat. If you don't like the taste (or lack thereof), of water it would just be discouraging. Fruit and vegetable intake counts as water intake. Watermelon and cucumber are highest in water content. So, add a serving of sliced cucumber as a snack each day, chopped watermelon for breakfast or desert, and add some sliced tomatoes as a side for dinner and voila, you have increased your water intake. Certainly that is still not enough water, especially if you eat meats and carbohydrates daily.
 

Another cool tip to increase the aqua is to add a little flavor, a slice of lemon, peach, or apple for instance will add a twist of flavor and the boring out of it. The more fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables you can add to your day, equals more water. (Please click on the slideshow at the end of this article for creative ways to increase water.)
 

Ironically, not drinking enough water leads to bloating. That's right, if you're wondering why your feet and hands are swelling increase your water intake and decrease the salt and monitor the results. Furthermore, remember that muscle is 75% water. Muscle burns fat and lack of water causes muscle loss. Did you get that? If you desire to lose weight you need to drink more water and build muscle mass.
 

One common myth about drinking water is; clear urine means you're drinking enough water, AANK! Wrong, clear urine can indicate kidneys not functioning properly. Normal color is more like the color of lemonade. Furthermore, if you are taking certain vitamins or medicines your urine may vary in color from bright yellow to dark orange, however, if your urine is dark and/or foul smelling you should definitely increase your water intake. Many believe that all drinks including coffee, soda, and wine are counted as water intake. Wrong again, although each of these drinks include large amounts of water, the other ingredients such as sodium, caffeine and sugars are counteractive and can actually deplete your water intake! Enjoy these drinks in moderation but an excess can really lend to dehydration and truly set you back.
 

Common ailments from lack of water (also could be signs of dehydration): Digestive problems, stomach aches, headaches, joint pain, back pain, depression, and water retention. WOW, and you thought prescription medicines had a long list of side effects! Not drinking water can lead to illnesses that force you to take these prescriptions! 
 

Finally, just make the commitment to yourself to improve your overall health by changing your conversation about water. Instead of saying "but I don't like water." say "I am continuously increasing my water intake." You have learned some easy alternatives here to make this a true statement. To really kick your goal off into high gear, set reminders for yourself. A sticky note on the fridge, in the car, and at your work desk, even an alarm on your mobile phone or an email to yourself will help. Slice some cucumbers and tomatoes in advance and keep them in a Ziploc container so that they are easily accessible when you suffer a snack attack. Do the same with fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, peaches, whatever you prefer, and the more the merrier.
 

For those who already eat plenty daily servings of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, yet weren’t sure that you were taking in sufficient water; this should be consoling confirmation and encouragement to keep up the good work.
 

Locally you can stock up on your fresh produce weekly by attending Farmer's Market. Beaufort Farmers Market is every Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Freedom Park by the Marina for more information visit http://www.downtownbeaufort.com. Port Royal Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 pm through November located at Naval Heritage Park on Ribaut Rd. Live music is played also.  For more information visit their website at www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com.