Water. Water. Water.

With spring here and warmer weather approaching, thirst has been increasing in my children (and mom and dad). Instead of promoting juice or dairy (which our children cannot have anyways), I want our children to develop a love for water. I drink water, but I don't always enjoy it. I will be honest, sometimes our water tastes funny. It may sound weird, but I prefer drinking water from the bathroom tap, as I have always thought that water tasted a little sweeter (probably just my imagination).

Water is really important, but sometimes we are drawn to things that are more interesting. Water can be boring (admit it!). I admit it. I often choose coffee or soda over water. I know that I need to drink more water, but I don't always drink it. My kids are used to drinking water, but anytime we have juice or pop in the house, they want to drink it until it is all gone. Sometimes it is more about doing what we know is "better" than settling for what tastes "best" in the moment. Isn't that true with other aspects of life, too?

I have been thinking about water and wanting to write this post for awhile now. I know that we need to drink more water. I know that we need to make a conscious decision to do it and be purposeful in how we go about it. I can't just say, "Let's drink more water" and let that be the end of the discussion. I need to take action and we all need to walk it out as a family. Drinking water is important for our health (everyone's health). In the interest of making a plan, I have made a water chart. I made a Family Water Drinking Chart (45) to hang on the fridge. I thought maybe we could have a little contest to see who could drink all of their water everyday for a week.

Now, because this is a post about Large Family Good Eats, I thought I would also throw in some ways to make water a bit more interesting.

1. Drink it cold.
2. Add an ice cube.
3. Drink it through a straw.
4. Drink it in a fancy cup.
5. Add ice cubes of fruit juice for color and flavour.
6. Add orange slices.
7. Add lemon slices.
8. Add lime slices.
9. Add crushed mint leaves.
10. Add ginger to boiling water and then chill before drinking.
11. Place slices of a cucumber in a glass and then add chilled water.
12. Add berries to a glass and then add chilled water.
13. Add ripe slices of honeydew melon to a class of chilled water.
14. Put pineapple in a glass and add chilled water.
15. Put peach slices in a glass and add chilled water.

How do you drink your water? Do you have any other ideas for making water more interesting?