It doesn’t matter if you have an active lifestyle, or a sedentary one. When it comes to living a vibrant life, hydration is key. Just think about it—our bodies are made predominately of water—and throughout your day (as you breathe, urinate, and perspire), you’re losing it. Here’s how to maintain proper hydration levels, and with some alternative ways to get it in besides a cold cup of water. Why not spice things up to stay hydrated? Here’s how.
Throw Coconut Water in the Mix for Extra Hydration
Most people know the general rule of thumb for daily water consumption—drink 8 cups of water a day. Many people have a hard time drinking that much (who has the time with meetings, deadlines and a family to care for?), so here’s a simple tip. Knock out two of your eight cups of water first thing in the morning.
Then, while having a mid-morning snack, enjoy a glass of coconut water. Coconut water is the perfect for hydrating you when you want something with a little flavor, and a whole lot of nutrients! It’s rich in nature, meaning you can additionally use it as an appetite suppressant. After an intense workout, drink some coconut water. It’s great for replacing electrolytes that you’ve sweated out in spin class.
A Homemade Sports Drink
Sports drinks are marketed for athletes of all sizes. The problem is, store bought sports drinks contain many ‘additives’ included tons of added sugar! To get a hydration boost with a whole lot of flavor, make a batch of the following—that every athlete in your family will love:
- Mix together 4 cups of water, ¼ cup of honey, ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Heat it in a saucepan until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
- Add ½ cup of orange juice, ½ cup of blueberry (or cherry) juice and ¼ cup lemon juice.
- Enjoy before or after any form of exercise, or as an alternative to your morning smoothie!
Emergen-C
You may have seen Emergen-C packets in your local grocery, convenient or drug store. Now a days, they seem to be everywhere as a convenient way to up the ante on your hydration. Pick from raspberry, pink lemonade or blood orange, pour it in a glass of water, mix well and replace lost electrolytes. Additionally, it will give you a big vitamin C boost, helping your immune system fight off the common cold and unwanted bacteria.
Dehydration happens. It’s inevitable. But, when you stay one step ahead of your body’s hydration needs (have two cups of water in the morning, then fuel up on coconut water, tea, homemade sports drinks or Emergen-C flavor packets), you’ll have more energy, fewer mood dips and a happy, balanced body. Drink up to good health!
