Water. You know it as the one ingredient everyone needs. It’s so good for you – and you’ve probably read that it’s a must-have for both weight loss and health.

But if you’re like many people, you may struggle to get the recommended eight 8-oz. glasses of water into your day. While it’s healthy, water doesn’t necessarily have a taste people get excited over. And tipping back that water bottle all day long may feel like a chore.

The answer? Add lemon! Fresh lemon adds zip to your water without adding significant calories, sodium or fat. And it may even help speed your weight loss, experts say.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to do when you don’t like to drink water, why lemon water is good for you, plus a delicious recipe to get you started on the road to good health.

How Much Water Do You Need?

You’ve probably heard that you need 64 oz. of unflavored water per day. You may also have heard that soda and juices don’t count in this total. How accurate is this information?

Water makes up about 60% of your total body weight and is instrumental in several vital functions, including regulating your temperature, cushioning joints, and flushing out waste. But actual water needs are individual, according to current science. How active you are, your age, and your general health can all change how much water you need in a given day.

To determine your own needs, follow your body’s cues. When you’re well-hydrated, your urine should be light in color and clear. (Dehydrated urine is very dark yellow to amber.) Your skin should feel soft and moisturized, and you should feel alert and energetic. Drink when thirsty but don’t force water; let your comfort and your general health be your guide.

But what should you do if you just don’t like to drink water? It’s easy – follow the recipe below and you’ll find yourself reaching for that water bottle.

Your Health-Boosting Lemon Water Recipe

This recipe is just the ticket for what to do when you don’t like to drink water. And it’s so simple. Here’s to your health!

Ingredients:

1 cup + 3 cups water (4 cups divided; see directions below)

One medium-size fresh lemon

2 tsps. Stevia natural sweetener if desired

Directions:

  1. On stove top, in small pan, bring 1 cup water to a boil.
  2. While water is heating, cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice out of both halves of the lemon into a heat-proof bowl. Be sure to get as much juice as possible out of each half. Discard any seeds.
  3. Add the boiling water to the lemon juice.
  4. Add Stevia if desired. Stir well. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  5. Add 3 cups cold water. Stir.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator and drink cold, or drink slightly warm if desired.

The Benefits of Lemon Water

Lemon water doesn’t just taste great; it can also boost your health. And it may even make you look younger, experts say.

If you’re still not sure what to do when you don’t like water, consider these superior benefits of lemon water:

  • It boosts immunity. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which has been shown to help fight colds and flu.
  • It helps you eliminate waste and toxins by “flushing” your body.
  • It provides a feeling of fullness while adding nearly no calories or fat, so you lose weight healthfully.
  • It hydrates your whole system so that you have more energy for your busy day.
  • It contains antioxidants that can help your skin look softer and younger.
  • It aids digestion and is the perfect natural remedy for occasional constipation.

Lemon water is easy to make, fun to drink, and it can make you look and feel great. Try lemon water and experience the amazing health benefits first-hand. You’ll love the healthier, slimmer and more energetic you.