Staying Hydrated for the 4th (and Beyond!)
Summer is in full force here in Key Largo! As the sun beats down on us, we can do our bodies (and minds) a huge favor and drink water at every possible opportunity – even if you’re not super-thirsty. Staying hydrated gives you more energy all year-round, but it is especially vital in the summertime when the sun can quite literally dry us out and leave us feeling exhausted and sluggish. Here are some tips for increasing the water habit:
-Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and take a few gulps whenever you see it! Many of you probably do this already. But – if you do have a reusable water bottle, be sure it does not leech harmful chemicals into your water (especially if it sits in a hot car for several hours of the day. For example, in some plastic water bottles, prolonged sun exposure can cause a harmful chemical called BPA to leech out into the water. So if you purchase a plastic water bottle, make sure it is BPA-free). Check out materials such as glass or stainless steel for water bottles – but of course read the specifications of the product before purchasing, to determine the full composition of materials used to make the bottle.
-Drink water when you first wake up in the morning. If possible, have a big bottle in your bedroom or bathroom, and drink a full bottle before doing anything else. This may feel like the very opposite of what you want to do when you first roll out of bed, but drinking lots of water upon waking can help kick-start your body for the day – not to mention knock out a good chunk of the recommended 64 ounces of water we should drink daily.
-When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water first. Often those hunger pangs are disguises for thirst (or boredom). So, have a glass or two of water when you feel the urge to eat – sometimes it will do just the trick. And if you find you’re still hungry after the water, go for it! At least you gave yourself some good hydration beforehand to fill your belly, so that you may be better able to tell when you’re truly full vs. when you just want to continue eating out of boredom or to clear your plate.
-If plain water gets a little boring for you, add some flavor to it. For example, you can add cucumber slices, lemon wedges, berries, or even herbs to a pitcher of cold water and keep it in your refrigerator. That way, you can sip this water all day long for a more interesting and refreshing beverage.
-Drinking tea is another great way to incorporate more water into your daily intake. Just steep a tea bag into some hot water and enjoy! If hot tea does not exactly entice you in this 90+ degree heat, then make a pitcher of hot tea and keep it in the refrigerator for a cold refreshing beverage that adds a little kick to your water routine. You can also put some fun additives into your tea to add some flavor, like fresh lemon juice and whole raspberries.
-And finally, while drinking water is the most efficient source of hydration, you can also stay hydrated by eating lots of fruits and veggies with a high water content. For example, watermelon, leafy greens, and berries are excellent sources of water. Filling your plate with these items at your 4th of July celebration will give you plenty of energy to enjoy the time with your family and friends.
Have a wonderful, hydrated, and safe holiday weekend, friends!!
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