4 Ways to Stay Hydrated This Summer
When it heats up outside, it becomes even more important to keep your body hydrated. Without water, your body becomes less efficient and effective at performing many of its necessary functions. Read on for suggestions on how to keep yourself hydrated and healthy.
Cut out caffeine
Do I even need to say it? Coffee and sodas dehydrate you, even though they’re liquids. If you must consume caffeine, add plenty of milk to your coffee cup or swap out your coffee for hot tea. Instead of sodas, try drinking lemonade or electrolyte-boosting drinks like Gatorade. But beware the sugar in these beverages: consider diluting them with water. Adding a healthy dose of ice to your drink is a subtle way to sub in some water.
Eat your water
Yes, you read that right. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content. So if you can’t bring yourself to drink another drop, chow down on watermelon or cucumber. Other summer fruits with high water content include strawberries, peaches, apricots and plums. If you’d rather eat vegetables, look for radishes and tomatoes during your next visit to the farmers’ market.
Play a drinking game
This time, it’s good for you. And you can play it in the daytime. While you’re at work, take a drink when you reach a milestone. Drink some water when you finish a project or take a walk to the water cooler to refill your bottle when you need a brain break. After a few sips, you'll feel refreshed and ready to be productive again.
Use a straw
Add a straw to your glass and you’ll suck water down without even thinking. Drinking through a straw may help you drink liquid at a faster rate. Your absentminded habit will only help you and soon it will be time to go back for more. If you don’t want to throw away plastic straws every day, consider buying a cup that comes with a lid and straw.
