Girl, Don’t be Thirsty - Pt 2 | Top 5 Tips to Maximize Hydration
So, now that we’ve covered the top thirst-quenching mistakes most people make (if you haven’t already read Part 1 of this post, check it out here), let’s talk about what you can do to ensure you are getting enough water during the sweltering summer months and beyond! Here are my top five tips to maximize your hydration every day:
Eat your water!
This never gets enough attention. Water-containing foods (fruits and veggies) are so important for optimizing your hydration. Flavoured water is all the rage right now. This is nature’s version except 100x better because they taste amazing and eating something is so much more satisfying than drinking (am I right?)
Fresh fruit and vegetables are amazingly hydrating and provide important vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, fiber, etc. My favourite water-containing foods are berries, cucumber, celery, broccoli, apple, and raw carrots. For a boost of hydration in the morning and a good dose of vitamins, healthy fats, and clean protein, check out my go-to energizing green smoothie recipe in Part 3 here! No coffee required!
Drink your water in between meals
This is important so I’ll say it one more time. Drinking water with meals dilutes important stomach acid needed to properly break down and digest food. Your digestion will be better off if you drink as little as possible during meals and chew your food really well so you don’t feel like you need a drink.
Temperature matters
Choosing room-temperature water is preferred with meals and in the morning when you first wake so that your digestive system isn’t shocked and doesn’t need to work extra hard to warm the water to body temperature.
If you ever experience indigestion, nausea, gas, or bloating, I encourage you to try these simple tips because they will probably help. Room-temperature water is even better for you in the summer than ice-cold water as your body doesn’t need to work to warm it up. To maximize your hydration in hot weather, choose lukewarm water.
Upgrade your H2O
Electrolytes aren’t just for athletes. Himalayan pink sea salt contains 84 trace minerals which are important for a plethora of body functions. Add a sprinkle to your water to nourish your body with minerals it is likely depleted in.
Staying hydrated when you’re drinking alcohol is especially important!
(Your mom was right) You should be drinking at least a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage consumed. A hangover is basically two things: A. extreme dehydration (alcohol blocks your kidneys from making antidiuretic hormone) and B. vitamin depletion. Keep up with your water as you sip your spritzer and pop a couple of B complexes with dinner, and you should feel just peachy in the a.m.
If there are any tricks you like to use to stay hydrated during the summer, add them to the comments section below! And be sure to check out Part 3 of this blog post here, where you can find my go-to energizing and thirst-quenching breakfast recipe!
