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torrancememorial.org PULSE | 11 XXXXXXX H E A LT H L I N KS 5 WAYS TO LIVEN UP WATER AND STAY HYDRATED. BOTTOMS UP WRITTEN BY REBECCAH GLASER D o you dislike the taste of plain water—or find it difficult to consume your recommended daily intake of liquids without getting bored? According to the National Institutes of Health, an average person on an average day needs about three quarts of water. But if you're out in the hot sun, you'll need a lot more than that. Elderly people and young children need to be especially careful. An aversion to water can leave you reaching for unhealthy options like soda to quench your thirst. Don't despair—there are a multitude of solutions to keep you happy, healthy and hydrated. Here's how to liven up your daily eight cups without sacrificing flavor. 1. BOTTLE IT Created by a high schooler to combat childhood obesity, the Define Bottle is a delicious and unique way to not only consume your recommended daily water intake, but increase your consumption of essential vitamins and minerals present in fruits and veggies. e bottle includes two cylinders and a filter. Simply add your favorite fruits, veggies or herbs to the bottom cylinder, screw on the filter and then attach the second cylinder and fill with water. e innovative design provides all the flavor of fruit-infused water with none of the pulp, seeds or mess! Some scrumptious combinations include cucumber and mint, strawberry and mango or even lemon and rosemary. You can purchase a variety of different Define Bottles at definebottle.com, or stop by Torrance Memorial's HealthLinks on the first floor of the West Tower for additional infused water bottles options. 2. ICE, ICE BABY Summer is here, and with all the sun, sand and surf comes the possibility of dehydration and heatstroke. A yummy way to prevent both? Blended fruit ice cubes! Not only can they make a plain glass of water come alive with flavor, they can help prevent overheating and are easy to prepare. Simply puree your favorite fruit or combination of fruit in a blender, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. A few delicious ideas: mint-strawberry, blueberry-raspberry, kiwi, pineapple-cherry and watermelon. 3. ADD FLAVOR Powdered drink mixes may entice you to consume more water, but the aspartame, soy lecithin and artificial flavors found in most popular brands aren't ideal. Natural Vitality is the perfect substitute for those chemical-filled powders. It comes in classic flavors such as cherry, sweet lemon, orange and raspberry lemon and contains organic stevia and organic fruit flavorings combined with ionic magnesium to help boost the immune system. Purchase at naturalvitality.com. 4. EAT YOUR WATER If you find it tedious to tote around bottles of water all day, here's a solution that might sound too good to be true—but isn't: eat your water. Foods like watermelon, cucumber, pineapple and romaine lettuce are 95% water. Instead of reaching for a glass of H20, enjoy a cucumber-tomato salad, chunks of watermelon, pineapple spears or a salad made with romaine. All are refreshing, filling and hydrating. While foods with high water content shouldn't completely replace beverages, they can easily supplement your water intake. 5. PERK IT UP Green tea is ideal for those who are bored by the monotonous taste of water. With a delicate and grassy flavor, green tea is chock-full of polyphenols, which fight free radicals and promote youthful skin. And it contains a moderate amount of caffeine. Enjoy it hot or cold with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of stevia.