Water works

Plain tap water is just as good as filtered or bought water, but for some reason is less appealing. sleepjaneuk suggests trying boiled water: 'It sounds odd, but I've found it goes down much better, like a cup of tea (well not quite as nice).' iVillager wysiwyg1 thinks that you need to learn how to incorporate drinking into your daily routine. She advises drinking a glass of water before each meal and making sure you have a 'cold glass of water available on the table when you eat your main meal, serve with ice and lemon/lime slice for a change of taste.' lolly78 has a similar strategy and finds it helpful to 'fill up a huge glass of water every hour on the hour, and sip it continuously. It's surprising how easy it is to get through.'

As for the constant trips to the bathroom, even the ingenious board members can't find a solution for that. The only consolation is to remember the benefits you get from keeping hydrated. As wysiwyg1 says, 'I keep reminding myself that all this water, veg and fruit is doing me the world of good as I stagger to the loo at 1 or 2am in the dark.'

Why not share your healthy eating tips with other iVillagers on the Eating for Health message board. Have a look at the Live discussions happening now on the board: