How To Get More Water In You: Make Your Own

This food-and-drink-filled time of year can be especially hard on the waistline, it's true. So do what you can, when you can, and try to leave the anxiety and stress at home, you know, with your Spanx, because those things are truly no fun when things get festive.

Instead, exercise a little pre-indulgence foresight and cut the corners where you can so you get to really enjoy the spoils of the season whether that's hot buttered rum, classic family holiday cookies, or that nut cheese ball that always seems to show up somehow that you're secretly thrilled about.

One of the easiest tricks? Shelve the sugary sodas and juices and sip on water. Not just any water, mind you, but taste bud-tantalizing water that you've fancied up to make it interesting so you'll keep sipping. That way you'll stay hydrated, have more energy, keep dry skin at bay through the winter and not totally undo your diet when you do want to imbibe something with a little more kick.

Fit Sugar offers some suggestions on how to jazz up water:

• Add fresh citrus juice to water. The combination of lime and orange is especially good.
• Add herbs to your water. Put a few sprigs of fresh mint in your H20 pitcher or even lemongrass.
• Add freshly-cut cucumbers. This small addition really gives water a clean and refreshing taste that is ever so subtle.
• Add fresh sliced ginger, and you've made a natural tummy tamer.
• Add pickle juice to water and make your own electrolyte-replacement drink. It might sound gross but it really works!
• For a hint of sweetness, crush up some berries or pomegranate seeds into your water. Strawberry and kiwi together are nice.
• If you're really craving soda, liven up soda water. Add a hint of flavored syrup, juice, or fresh fruit.

Photo courtesy of Adyna@sxc.hu.