How to Drink Water When You Don't Like It

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drinking enough water is vital for preventing dehydration, which can cause unclear thinking, mood changes, and overheating. For those who struggle with the bland taste, learning how to drink water when you don't like it is a crucial step toward better health and overall well-being.

Quick Summary

This guide provides creative solutions for increasing fluid intake, including infusing water with fruits and herbs, enjoying other hydrating beverages, and eating water-rich foods. It also offers habit-building strategies and product comparisons for making hydration an enjoyable, simple part of your daily routine.

Key Points

Flavor Infusion: Naturally enhance water's taste by adding fruits, vegetables, and herbs like lemon, cucumber, mint, and berries, making hydration more enjoyable without added sugar or calories.
Alternative Beverages: Hydrate with other healthy liquids like sparkling water, unsweetened herbal tea, or coconut water to break the monotony of plain water.
Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate high-water content foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries, and leafy greens to boost your fluid intake through your diet.
Habit Formation: Use simple strategies like carrying a favorite water bottle, setting reminders, and tying water breaks to existing routines to build consistent hydration habits.
Experimentation: Play with water temperature, try infused ice cubes, or dilute small amounts of natural juice to find methods that best suit your personal preferences.
Motivation: Understand the serious health consequences of dehydration, including mood changes and kidney issues, to reinforce the importance of regular fluid consumption.

Why Proper Hydration Is So Important

Staying hydrated is far more critical than many realize. Water is a fundamental component of your body, comprising 50% to 75% of your total body weight and playing a key role in numerous physiological functions. It helps transport nutrients to your cells, regulates body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, and flushes out waste through urine and sweat. Neglecting proper hydration can lead to a host of issues, from mild symptoms like fatigue and headaches to more severe conditions like kidney stones and chronic dehydration. If you've been struggling to meet your daily water goals, understanding these benefits can provide the motivation you need to find a solution that works for you.

Making Plain Water Palatable with Flavor Infusions

One of the most effective ways to overcome an aversion to plain water is to add natural flavor. Infusing your water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs is a simple, calorie-free method that can completely change your perspective on hydration. There are countless combinations to try, allowing you to experiment and find a mix that excites your taste buds.

Here are some popular infusion ideas to get you started:

Citrus Burst: Combine slices of lemon, lime, and orange for a tangy, vitamin-rich drink.
Cucumber Mint: Add thinly sliced cucumber and a few sprigs of fresh mint for a clean, spa-like flavor.
Berry Medley: Crush a handful of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) and add them to your water for a subtly sweet taste.
Ginger-Lemon Zinger: Slice fresh ginger and lemon to create a zesty, invigorating beverage, which can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Fruity Ice Cubes: For a fun twist, freeze small fruit pieces or herbs into ice cubes. As they melt, they'll slowly infuse your drink with flavor and a touch of color.

Exploring Hydration Alternatives Beyond Water

Your daily fluid intake doesn't have to come exclusively from plain water. While water is the best choice, other healthy beverages and even water-rich foods can contribute significantly to your hydration levels. This is especially helpful if you find yourself getting bored with the taste of water, no matter how much you flavor it.


Alternative Hydration Source	Pros	Cons	Best For
Sparkling Water	Provides the same hydration as still water with a satisfying fizz; many flavor options exist.	Can be costly if bought frequently; some club sodas contain sodium.	Replacing soda or other carbonated drinks.
Herbal Tea	Calorie-free (when unsweetened); offers a vast array of flavors and can be enjoyed hot or iced.	Requires preparation time; some people find it less refreshing than cold water.	A relaxing, flavorful source of hydration.
Coconut Water	Rich in potassium and electrolytes, great for after exercise.	Can contain added sugars; more expensive than water.	Replenishing electrolytes after intense workouts.
Water-Rich Foods	Contributes to fluid intake while providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.	Water from food is not a complete replacement for drinking fluids.	Adding variety to your hydration sources.

Creating Consistent Hydration Habits

Consistency is key to staying hydrated, and building new habits can make all the difference. Instead of relying on willpower, use behavioral psychology to your advantage.

Set Visible Reminders: Keep a reusable water bottle on your desk, nightstand, or in your bag. Seeing it throughout the day will serve as a constant, gentle nudge to take a sip. Opt for a clear bottle with time markers to track your progress.
Use Technology: Download a hydration tracking app that sends notifications. Many smart bottles also exist that glow to remind you to drink.
Tie It to a Routine: Associate drinking water with existing daily habits. Drink a glass when you wake up, before every meal, and every time you take a bathroom break.
Experiment with Temperature: Some people prefer ice-cold water, while others enjoy it at room temperature. Try different temperatures to find what is most palatable for you.
Stay Prepared: Have a pitcher of flavored water in the fridge so it’s ready to go. When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to grab and go instead of defaulting to a sugary drink.

The Role of Water-Rich Foods

Did you know that about 20% of your daily fluid intake can come from foods? This is an excellent, and often delicious, strategy to boost hydration. Incorporating more water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet can help you meet your goals without having to drink endless glasses of water.

Some of the best high-water content foods include:

Watermelon and Cantaloupe
Strawberries
Cucumber
Lettuce and Spinach
Celery
Zucchini
Oranges and Grapefruit

Another option is to make homemade soups and broths. These can be particularly comforting and hydrating during colder months. Just be mindful of high-sodium content in store-bought options.

Conclusion: Making Hydration Enjoyable and Sustainable

For those who dislike plain water, staying properly hydrated can feel like a chore. However, by embracing a mix of strategies—from simple flavor infusions and temperature adjustments to exploring hydrating alternatives and increasing water-rich food intake—you can transform your daily fluid consumption. Building new habits is a process, and it’s okay to start small. Whether it’s adding a few berries to your bottle or swapping one sugary drink for sparkling water, every effort counts. By focusing on what works for you, hydration will become a seamless, enjoyable, and sustainable part of a healthier lifestyle.

One Authoritative Link

Learn more about the science behind hydration and overall health benefits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html].

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sparkling water is just as hydrating as plain, still water. The carbonation can add a pleasant texture that makes it more appealing to drink throughout the day.

To build the habit, try setting simple reminders on your phone, using an app, or linking the action to an existing routine, like having a glass of water every time you brush your teeth or before a meal.

Excellent low-calorie options include infusing water with fresh fruits (lemons, berries), vegetables (cucumber), or herbs (mint, basil). You can also use unsweetened herbal tea or a splash of natural fruit juice.

While about 20% of your daily fluid intake can come from water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges, it is not a complete replacement for drinking fluids. It is a helpful supplement, but you should still aim to drink more water directly.

Many flavored water mixes use artificial sweeteners, which may maintain the habit of craving sweet drinks. For the healthiest option, natural flavorings from fruits and herbs are recommended, but sugar-free mixes can be a stepping stone away from high-sugar beverages.

If your tap water tastes bad due to impurities, investing in a water filter pitcher or a faucet-mounted filter can significantly improve the taste and odor by removing contaminants like chlorine.

To make water more visually appealing, use a clear bottle with colorful fruit infusions. You can also create ice cubes with embedded fruit or herbs for a delightful, slow-releasing visual effect and flavor.