Staying hydrated is the very cornerstone to being healthy. And I know you’ve heard it all before, so I’ve put together a great guide to hydration that’s sure to give you some tricks you haven’t heard…. [rss-cut]

Benefits of Drinking Water

1. Water is like a superfood for your skin. It helps keep the blemishes away, minimizes dark circles under the eyes, and is a major step to glowing skin.
2. Have clear, vibrant eyes that look well-rested when you are properly hydrated.
3. Your energy levels will improve, the more water you drink. After all, our entire body is mostly water, so replenish the vessel for optimal performance.
4. A clearer head, less brain-fog, and alertness are all wonderful benefits to staying hydrated.
5. Control dry skin and have beautiful cuticles when properly hydrated. This is the first thing I notice when dehydrated, cracked cuticles and really dry skin. Instead of spending all that money on expensive lotions and manicures, why not just stay hydrated and leave the body to maintain skin dryness?

Tips to Replenish

1. Make it fun with the cup that you use. Pretend you are having people over, and would like to serve water in a beautiful pitcher. Or look and see how your favorite restaurant presents their water, and copy that, to bring home the feel of that restaurant. I always drink water out of a wine or martini glass.
2. Make it easy by always having a water pitcher accessible and visible in your workspace. That way, when you get even a little bit thirsty, it’s just a quick pour away!
3. Make it colorful by adding your favorite fruits to the water. My favorites are cucumber, lemon, or raspberries. You can freeze some berries in your ice cubes, and add that to your glass for a beautiful treat. Simply place the berries in your empty ice cube tray, pour filtered water over the berries, and wait for the cubes to freeze.
4. Make it delicious by first sourcing your favorite water. I always add some lemon slices, a pinch of sea salt, and a teaspoon of agave nectar to my water pitcher, and it makes the best tasting water EVER!
5. Make it portable by utilizing a reusable container you can fit in your bag when you know you will be out on the town for a while. That way, you can save the $2 charge for bottled water at the store.
6. Make it diverse by getting water from your food. Eat juicy, fresh fruit and vegetables. My favorites include watermelon, cucumber, celery, grapes, oranges, and tomatoes.
7. Don’t make it hard on your body, and take steps to promote hydration rather than taking a step forward only to take two steps back. Cut back on caffeine and alcohol as these popular drinks drain the body of water.

Different Water Sources

The water I drink in my house is simply filtered tap water. And it’s not a fancy, expensive filter either. I think you’ve heard of Brita filters before, and they  are my super simple filtration system to get the best water around. Surprised?

I love fresh spring water, but only if I’ve collected it. All the bottled stuff I don’t trust, as there are less regulations on bottled water than tap. When I was living in British Columbia, I collected spring water sometimes. This stuff was the BEST WATER EVER. But without a car, it becomes very inconvenient to borrow a car from a friend to drive 45 minutes outside of the city with a bunch of glass jugs every week. So, I do the best I can with what I have. And, hey, tap water is free. Add the Brita (or Pur) filter and you have yourself a convenient, inexpensive water source right in your kitchen!

Some people love bottled water for the convenience, taste, and portability. I do not recommend bottled water for three reasons. Check out the diagram to the left for many more reasons to stop drinking bottled water.

1. Bottled water is one of the biggest plastic waste contributors {1.5 million tons per year}, and many of the bottles still end up in the landfill {only 23.4% gets recycled}. Even if they do end up getting recycled, the resources to produce and reproduce the plastic bottles is huge.
2. The bottles leach plastic chemicals into your water. Who really wants to drink plastic? Ewww.
3. It’s not cheap! Go the less expensive route and utilize your tap water, after all its about the same {or better} quality than bottled water.

Recommended Reusable Water Containers

If you like bottled water for convenience, it is just as easy to use a container that’s reusable. Here are my favorites:

• I recommend Sigg if you don’t want to compromise your style for hydration. There are many designs and sizes to choose from on their site, so you’re sure to make a statement with your water bottle!
• Klean Kanteen makes super durable, stainless steel containers with cool lids so you can customize your drinking experience.
• Nalgene makes 32oz. BPA-free plastic containers, of which I have two. They are also great to take a smoothie to go, as they’re easy to clean. I always freeze one with water the night before a hike!

Let’s raise our water glasses to better health. Drink up!

To Glowing Skin,

About Amanda DL

Amanda is a simple, small-town girl from the Ozarks with a strong case of wanderlust. She's an intern architect by day, and a blog lover by night. Follow Amanda and learn how to live simply, naturally, and creatively at Designing4Life.com and @designing4