Water is boring. It’s tasteless, and there are no exciting bubbles to entice you to drink more. Plus, it’s available wherever you can find a tap (which is almost anywhere), which means that it doesn’t seem desirable. You can get it anytime that you want.

In the developed world, we take clean drinking water for granted to much that we eschew water and instead turn to sweetened beverages that cost money like juice and soda to satisfy our thirst.

Water isn’t very appetizing when you swig down a few gallons of tasty fruity carbonated drinks every month. But water is essential to life, and you certainly won’t be able to lose weight or get healthy unless you stay hydrated with water.

Here are a few sneaky ways that you can trick yourself into drinking more water each day:

Drink carbonated water

If you are a sodaholic, then substituting carbonated water for soda is easier than plain old flat tap water. You can try flavored seltzer water, but make sure that you choose a sugar-free and calorie-free flavored option.

Add cucumber slices

Slicing up fresh, aromatic cucumber and adding it to your water can help add a refreshing flavor in on hot day. Try adding slices from two cucumbers to a large jug of water and storing in your refrigerator, then refill your glass throughout the day.

Squeeze some citrus into your water

You don’t have to squeeze just lemon or lime into your water to make a tart and refreshing drink. Try grapefruit, tangerines, or oranges to mix up flavors.

Drink through a straw

Instead of sipping all day, try slurping through a straw. Straws increase the volume of liquid that you drink because you can’t see exactly how much you are drinking. Try drinking through a straw for 5 seconds before topping.

Set a timer

If you are so busy that you forget to drink during the day, try setting a timer every hour and drink water when the timer goes off.

Carry it with you

Buying bottles of water when you are on the go can get expensive, plus it’s bad for the environment. But, carrying around a large water bottle can be annoying if you are trying to travel light. Try a collapsable water bottle that can easily be rolled up and stashed in a purse when it is empty.

Drink up in the AM

If you really hate drinking water, the best way to start your day out hydrated is to slam back two large glasses first thing in the morning, before your morning coffee. If you make this habit automatic every morning, you’ll be drinking a quarter of your daily water intake before you are even conscious of what you are doing. Your hatred of water won’t even register, because you will barely be awake.

Keep it cold

Add a few ice cubes to your glass to make your water extra cold. Cold water is more satisfying than tepid water, so you’ll be more likely to drink more of it.

Substitute water for milk in your protein shakes

If you regularly drink protein shakes, find a shake that tastes great mixed with water rather than milk. You’ll cut your calorie intake significantly, and you’ll get a few servings of water as well.

Drink water when you have a sugar craving

Who doesn’t have sugar cravings during the day or late in the evenings? I’ve never met one. When you have a craving for something sweet and gooey, drink up. Many people mix up hunger and thirst signals, and they give into food cravings when their bodies are actually calling out for fluids.

What are your sneaky tricks for drinking more water?