Drinking water is one of the best and easiest ways to stay on track. It can help you eat less, feel satiated faster and maintain energy levels.

Our bodies are up to 60% water — we need lots of it to thrive, and even more when we're active, ill or pregnant. Here's how we're staying hydrated throughout the season.

Yes, coffee and tea do count

An old health myth is that caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea don't count towards your daily water intake. That's not true! Even carbonated drinks are hydrating, but loading up on sugary juices, full-fat coffee drinks and sodas isn't the best way to go about hydration. They contain too much sugar to be very effective.

Plain coffee and tea are perfectly suitable for hydration, especially if you keep your intake to just a few cups per day.

BYOW

Out of sight, out of mind. If you bring your own bottle of water with you when you're out and about, you'll be more likely to reach for it. Pick a wide-mouth one that you can toss in the dishwasher, unless you're very diligent about hand-washing your water bottle.

We usually carry a 1-liter size—it's easy to tote around and useful for tracking your daily intake. When we've filled it up for the third time each day, we know we're on track.

Get creative

Chugging down plain, unflavored water isn't always super satisfying or easy to do. We're big on making our own 'spa water' with slices of lemon and cucumber, plus sprigs of mint.

If you love carbonated water or soda, try adding some fruit to plain seltzer or sparkling water. Sugar-free flavor packets also work in a pinch—we keep some in our bag for when we really don't feel like downing plain water.

Make it a habit

Like any habit, it's easier to drink water when you've built it into your routine. Keep a glass of water on our nightstand so you can quench your thirst first thing in the morning. Take your vitamins with a full glass!

Before eating any meal, drink another glass of water. If you still feel peckish after a meal, drink another glass. This habit is especially useful during the holidays, when indulgences may tempt us to overeat. You'll get your daily minimum in no time.

Don't forget food

The Mayo Clinic estimates that about 20% of an average person's daily water intake is from food! Whole fruits and vegetables are a great source—watermelon is 99% water. Cucumbers, romaine lettuce, oranges and most other fruits are also great options.