With warm weather here and hotter weather close by, it’s time to have some innovative ideas to stay hydrated up your sleeve. Although we all know we’re supposed to drink water, some enjoy it while others have to force themselves to chug it down. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, there are still many ways to “spice up” good ole’ H2O, so you truly look forward to it, no matter what temperature it is outside!
Because the truth is, staying hydrated is extremely important year-round for a number of reasons. Your body NEEDS water to function correctly, and a lack of it could lead to dehydration issues. If you’re having any uncomfortable symptoms like headaches, fatigue or tiredness, digestive problems or dry skin, it could all be tied back to not getting enough water.
Not to mention, water is also necessary to maintain a healthy weight. If you don’t continually hydrate during the day, your body may mistake thirst for hunger, and you could be snacking your way to far more calories than you need.
Finally, water is needed for optimal performance. That might be easy to remember if you’re trying to run a marathon. But the same rule applies even if you’re simply trying to keep up with your toddler, or keep your focus spot-on at the office. They all require being properly hydrated in order to succeed physically and mentally.
How Do You Make Plain Water More Exciting?
Craving better-tasting water? It’s all about what you add into it. Do you know you can actually infuse your water and other beverages with the taste of fresh herbs, fruits and veggies? Did you know that these drinks can actually supply your body with extra nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more?
Not to mention, they taste delightful! And can even help you thoroughly detox/cleanse your body while you stay hydrated. In addition, the added ingredients may help to naturally energize, calm, de-stress, improve focus and more.
3 Scrumptious Infused Summer Hydration Drinks
Ready to up the excitement on your H2O? Check out these 3 awesome infused water beverages that you’ll love sipping on all summer long…
Spicy Watermelon Refresher
Perfect for: Kicking things up a notch when your day needs more excitement or you’re feeling tired. Or, getting the party started while enjoying a day at the beach, pool or at a backyard BBQ.
Tips for Preparation: Replace the sugar in this recipe with a sprinkle of Stevia Leaf to give it a much healthier twist. While sugar will speed up your appetite and make you hungrier, Stevia won’t affect your blood sugar levels.
Sparkling Peach Punch
Perfect for: When you want a cocktail but don’t want the dehydration or calories that come along with it. Or, when your mood could use a major pick-me-up.
Tips for Preparation: Replace the ginger ale in this recipe with soda water or sparkling water to reduce the sugar and calories. In addition, consider replacing the water with a healthy caffeine-free lemonade that can assist with your hydration and weight loss efforts.
Berry-licious Spa Water
Perfect for: Your everyday go-to infused water drink, complete with in-season fruits, veggies or herbs you love. So good, you’ll forget you’re actually drinking water.
Tips for Preparation: To give this drink even more flavor, add in some mint, thyme, rosemary, parsley or your favorite herbs. You can also use varying fruits including grapefruit, orange, lemon and lime, and veggies like cucumbers and jalapeno.
6 Tips to Stay Hydrated ‘Round the Clock
Along with making sure you have better-tasting healthy beverages, there are more steps you can take to make hydration an important part of your daily life.
Invest in a reusable water bottle (and don’t forget it)
Not just any water bottle will do. First off, it should be reusable (stainless steel or BPA-free plastic). This is because many disposable water bottles contain BPA – a chemical that can potentially affect your hormones and cause health problems.
Next, the bottle should be insulated so it can keep your drink exactly the way you like it. Then, always take it with you, whether that be to work, the gym, or running errands. By keeping it with you, you’ll be much more likely to use it.
Drink some of your meals
No time for a formal sit-down, healthy meal? That isn’t a problem. In fact, having a high-quality meal replacement shake in place of a meal can help keep you nourished and hydrated at the same time. Whether you blend up a healthy smoothie or just mix shake powder with water or low-fat milk, this is a truly tasty and convenient option for busy lifestyles.
Snack on hydrating fruits and veggies
Believe it or not, it’s not just about what you drink. You can add certain foods to your hydration hot-list, including fruits and veggies. Some of the most hydrating fruits include watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches and oranges. Hydrating veggies include cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage and cauliflower.
Add in some dairy
You may be surprised to hear that certain dairy items pack a powerful punch when it comes to hydration. Skim milk, for instance, is made of 90% water! It’s highly recommended after vigorous exercise, since it contains natural electrolytes and protein, which both help replace your fluid losses.
Yogurt and cottage cheese are also dairy foods that contain a large amount of water, protein, vitamins and minerals that help hydrate while providing additional health benefits.
Make chilled summer soups
Wait, you mean you can make cold soup?! Absolutely! There are a ton of awesome chilled soup and gazpacho recipes that use fresh produce, making them extremely nutritious while at the same time hydrating. Soups and broths are typically almost completely water, and also include hydrating fruits and veggies. Sipping on some soup can also help to curb your appetite and help you take in less calories throughout the day.
Limit caffeine and alcohol
This one is probably self-explanatory, but it’s also a good reminder on how to stay hydrated. Both caffeinated beverages and alcohol are dehydrating, meaning that they cause your body to lose more fluid than normal. If you’re going to have them, make sure you have plenty of good hydration drinks as well. In addition, there are other healthier beverages that you can replace these with, that can even help to detox your body and stay hydrated.
Your most hydrating summer awaits! Follow all the tips in this article to stay safe, healthy and satisfied in the heat. And let us know what your favorite infused water recipes are in the comments, below!
