How to Start Liking Drinking Water and Hydrate Better

December 30, 2025 •

5 min read

The human body is made up of approximately 60% water, yet a staggering number of people struggle to drink enough daily. If you find the taste boring or simply forget to drink it, you're not alone, but there are many simple strategies for how to start liking drinking water and stay hydrated for better health.

Quick Summary

This guide provides practical and creative strategies to overcome a dislike for plain water. Learn how to improve the taste, develop consistent habits, and explore alternative hydration sources to boost your daily fluid intake and overall health.

Key Points

Start Slowly: Gradually increase your water intake rather than attempting a large, sudden change, giving your body time to adjust.
Add Natural Flavor: Overcome the blandness of plain water by infusing it with fruits like lemon, lime, or berries, and herbs like mint or basil.
Filter for Better Taste: If tap water tastes unpleasant, use a pitcher or faucet filter to improve the flavor and remove off-tasting contaminants.
Create Habits and Cues: Link drinking water to existing routines, such as having a glass first thing in the morning or before meals, to build a consistent habit.
Use a Fun Water Bottle: Invest in a high-quality, reusable water bottle you enjoy using and keep it visible throughout the day as a reminder.
Try Different Temperatures: Experiment with cold, room temperature, or even warm water to find the temperature you find most palatable.
Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and lettuce into your diet to supplement your fluid intake.
Explore Sparkling Water: If you crave the fizz of soda, switch to carbonated water, which can satisfy that craving without the sugar.

Why Is Staying Hydrated So Important?

Before diving into the 'how,' it's crucial to understand the 'why.' Proper hydration is a cornerstone of overall health, affecting everything from energy levels to physical performance. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, and even more serious conditions like kidney stones. By increasing your water intake, you're investing in your body's ability to regulate temperature, protect sensitive tissues, and flush out waste.

Make Water More Appealing with Flavor

For many, the main obstacle is the blandness of plain water. The good news is you can add flavor without adding sugar or artificial ingredients. Infusing your water with natural ingredients is a simple and effective solution.

Fruit and Herb Infusions

Create your own refreshing 'spa water' by adding fresh produce to a pitcher or bottle. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite taste profile.

Classic Citrus: Add slices of lemon, lime, or orange for a tangy, refreshing kick. For a stronger flavor, squeeze some of the juice into the water.
Berry Burst: Mash fresh or frozen raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries at the bottom of your glass for a sweeter flavor that slowly infuses the water.
Cool Cucumber & Mint: For a crisp, clean taste, combine thinly sliced cucumber with a few fresh mint leaves. This is a fantastic, zero-calorie alternative to sugary drinks.
Spiced Options: Don't be afraid to experiment with spices. Adding a cinnamon stick can give your water a subtly spiced flavor.

Flavoring Alternatives

If you need something a little more immediate or are constantly on the go, consider these options:

Flavoring Packets & Drops: For a quick fix, low-calorie or sugar-free flavor enhancers can be a convenient way to add taste. Look for options with natural sweeteners like stevia.
Sparkling Water: The fizzy texture of carbonated water can be a satisfying alternative to soda. Many brands offer naturally flavored options without added sugars.

Build a Habit, Not a Chore

Liking water is not just about taste; it's about routine. Consistency is key to making a new behavior, like regular hydration, a permanent habit.

Create Visual Reminders

Get a Great Water Bottle: Invest in a bottle you genuinely like—a fun color, a smart bottle that tracks your intake, or simply a transparent one that lets you see your progress.
Keep it in Sight: Position a glass or bottle of water in high-traffic areas where you spend your time, like on your desk, your bedside table, or in your car.

Integrate Drinking into Your Day

Set Reminders: Use your phone to set simple, recurring reminders throughout the day, prompting you to take a drink.
Pair it with Meals: Get in the habit of drinking a full glass of water before each meal and snack. This can also aid in weight management by helping you feel full.
Use Cues: Attach drinking water to an existing habit. For instance, take a sip every time you get up from your desk, check your phone, or pass the kitchen.

Comparison Table: Tap vs. Mineral Water


Feature	Tap Water	Bottled Mineral Water
Source	Surface or underground, treated by municipality.	Natural underground reservoirs; bottled at source.
Mineral Content	Varies by region, typically lower than mineral water.	Must contain at least 250 parts per million of dissolved minerals.
Taste	Can vary depending on source and treatments like chlorine.	Distinct taste profile influenced by its unique mineral composition.
Processing	Treated with chemical disinfectants to meet safety standards.	Does not undergo chemical disinfection, only minimal processing.
Cost	Very inexpensive.	Significantly more expensive due to sourcing and packaging.
Environmental Impact	Low environmental impact per liter compared to bottled water.	Higher impact due to plastic bottle production and transportation.
Benefits	Provides hydration safely and affordably.	Can provide higher levels of specific minerals like magnesium.

The Power of a Good Filter

Sometimes, the issue isn't plain water itself, but the taste or odor of your local tap water. A simple filtration system can dramatically improve the flavor and make it more palatable. This is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option than relying on bottled water. You can opt for a filtered pitcher for your fridge, a faucet-mounted filter, or a full under-sink system. Many filters utilize activated carbon, which is highly effective at removing chlorine and other contaminants that affect taste.

Hydration from Food

Remember that not all your hydration needs to come from a glass. Many fruits and vegetables have very high water content and contribute significantly to your daily fluid intake. Adding hydrating foods to your diet is a flavorful and nutritious way to supplement your drinking.

Fruits: Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, and peaches are all excellent choices.
Vegetables: Cucumbers, lettuce, celery, and bell peppers are packed with water.
Soups and Broths: These can also be a significant source of hydration, especially on a chilly day.

Conclusion

For those who find drinking water a struggle, shifting your perspective from a chore to an enjoyable habit is the key to long-term success. By experimenting with natural flavor infusions, finding the right bottle, creating visual cues, and building a consistent routine, you can make hydration a positive and integrated part of your daily life. The health benefits, from improved energy and mood to better physical performance, are well worth the effort. Start small, get creative, and before you know it, you'll find yourself reaching for water by choice, not just necessity.

The Hydration Journey: A Summary

Start with small, consistent changes. Gradually increase your intake rather than aiming for an unrealistic amount from day one.
Taste is customizable. Infuse your water with fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables to overcome the blandness.
Visual cues are powerful. Use a favorite water bottle or place glasses strategically to serve as reminders.
Track your progress. Whether with an app or a simple marker on your bottle, monitoring intake can provide motivation.
Explore alternatives. Sparkling water and high-water-content foods can supplement your hydration efforts.
Improve tap water flavor. A good filter can make your tap water taste great and is a cost-effective option.
Embrace the process. Finding what works for you is a personal journey, so don't be afraid to try different things until you find your preferred method.

Visit the CDC for more information on the importance of staying hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can add fresh slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or berries, as well as herbs such as mint, basil, or rosemary. You can also create flavored ice cubes with fruit or juice to add a slow, subtle flavor.

Yes, water-based beverages like coffee and tea do contribute to your fluid intake. However, it's best to prioritize plain water and stay away from sugary drinks.

To remember, try setting phone reminders, keeping a visually appealing water bottle in your line of sight, or creating a habit of drinking a glass at specific times, such as before each meal.

Both mineral and tap water are safe to drink. Mineral water has a higher mineral content, but a healthy diet provides more significant mineral intake. The choice often comes down to taste and cost.

Early signs of dehydration include thirst, dark yellow urine, feeling tired, and a dry mouth. Staying ahead of thirst is the best strategy to avoid these symptoms.

For optimal flavor, let fruit-infused water steep for about one to two hours at room temperature before refrigerating. For a stronger taste, you can let it infuse for longer, but remove citrus rinds after 4 hours to prevent bitterness.

Yes, many foods with high water content, such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce, contribute to your daily hydration needs.