You've probably heard it a million times — you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day. While your hydration requirements will vary depending on the weather and how much you exercise among other factors, eight glasses of fluid is a good general guideline according to Dr Brian Morton, General Practitioner and Chair of the Australian Medical Association Council of General Practice.
But if water bores you sillier than Friends re-runs, you'll be pleased to hear that not all of your daily fluids need to come directly from the tap. Here are 10 natural ways to make water more exciting:
Tea
If you love a cuppa, you're in luck — each cup you drink counts towards your eight daily glasses of water and there are endless flavours to choose from. Plus,green, black and white teas are packed with antioxidants, which destroy free radicals that may cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses.
Citrus
Adding slices of lemon, lime or orange — or any combination of the three — to your glass or bottle of water will enhance the flavour and help you get your daily dose of vitamin C.
Mint
For a truly refreshing summer drink, fill a jug with ice cubes, a handful of fresh mint leaves and water. If you'd prefer a stronger minty taste, crush the mint leaves before adding them or refrigerate the jug overnight.
Cucumber
This cooling and invigorating concoction is often served at day spas. To recreate that fresh taste, slice up half a cucumber and put the slices in a jug of water. Slip on your favourite fluffy robe, put your feet up and enjoy.
Berries
To add a slightly sweet taste and a dash of colour to your water, why not throw in a handful of strawberries or raspberries? Crush them with a fork beforehand for an extra flavour hit.
Ginger
Grate two teaspoons of fresh ginger in a jug of water — or a smaller amount straight into a glass — for a fresh, tangy drink. Ginger has the added benefit of soothing upset stomachs and nausea.
Melon
Chop up rockmelon, honeydew melon or watermelon and throw it into a jug with ice cubes and water. As a yummy bonus, you get to munch on the melon cubes when you get to the bottom ofyour glass.
Flavoured ice cubes
Impress your guests by making flavoured ice cubes. Cut the fruit or herb of your choice into small pieces, place them in an ice-cube tray with water and freeze overnight.Some great options are cranberries, raspberries, lemon and mint. For an extra twist, use an ice-cube tray with fun shapes like hearts or stars.
Sparkling water
If you love the bubbles in soft drinks but you don't want all the sugar, try sparkling or soda water. Add any of the flavourings mentioned above for a bubbly taste sensation.
Mix it up
Why not go crazy and create your own flavour combinations using your favourite ingredients? Try cucumber, rockmelon and mint, raspberries and mint, cucumber and ginger, or anything else that takes your fancy.
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