Drink up: Easy tips to drink more water throughout the day

You know drinking plenty of water every day is good for your health. The Institute of Medicine recommends men consume about 13 cups of fluid a day and women take in about 9 cups. Yet remembering to drink water may not always make the top of your daily to-do list.

A whopping 96 percent of Americans believe they should be drinking more water, according to a survey by the International Bottled Water Association. Celebrity health and wellness coach Kathy Kaehler agrees, because she encounters hydration issues all the time with her clients.

"I've heard so many excuses about why people don't drink enough water," Kaehler says. "Yet hydration is so important for managing calorie intake, keeping skin bright and clear and maintaining overall health and wellness goals."

Luckily, increasing your water intake is not as difficult as you may think. Here are some easy and unexpected ways to drink more water:

__Bubbles make water exciting.__ A sparkling water maker transforms ordinary water into sparkling water in seconds, making it more fun to drink and helping to boost water intake. An anecdotal study Kaehler conducted revealed that consumers increased their water consumption by 46 percent when they had a sparkling water maker in their home. Reinforcing this result, a recent survey by Toluna Research showed that those with a sparkling water maker at home consume 43 percent more water (three more glasses of water and water-based drinks per day), as well as 54 percent less sugary soda than those without one.

Man drinking a glass of water

__Spruce it up.__ Add flavor to your flat or sparkling water with fresh fruit or veggies, such as lemon, cucumber or berries. Kaehler loves adding grapefruit juice and fresh grapefruit to her sparkling water for a delicious, water-based beverage with an added boost of vitamin C. You can also purchase travel flavor packets to add to your cup. Tea is another way to flavor your water, and it provides plenty of other benefits.

__Balance out your happy hour.__ If you enjoy drinks after work, be smart about it. Swap every other drink for a glass of flat or carbonated water to keep hydration levels up.

__Accomplish the task with tech.__ There are plenty of apps available to track health and fitness goals, from steps trackers to sleep monitors. Hydration apps can help remind you to consume water throughout the day and track your consumption. Not up for an app? Set an hourly alarm on your phone as a reminder to refill.

__Always have a reusable water bottle with you.__ Tuck it into your purse or gym bag and have an extra one at your desk. You can find plenty of varieties in the stores, and you might even consider personalizing one so you remember it's yours and there for you. If the container is handy, you'll find yourself drinking from it more often, just out of habit.