IT. IS. SUMMERTIME!
Bring on all the sunshine, the day parties and the cookouts. Give me a summer tan, long brunches, and very happy happy hours – that turn into dinner – that turns into late night rooftop drinks. You know what I’m talking about. Nothing’s off-limits during summer.
So let’s get prepared to do summer right and stay hydrated.
That means drinking enough water to keep our bodies happy and healthy, our weight right, our skin glowing and be energized enough to make it through until the very last warmest day.
BUT FIRST…HOW DO YOU TO TELL IF YOU’RE DEHYDRATED?
If you don’t know the answer to this one, listen up. Clear pee means you’re hydrated. Urine that’s any shade of yellow means you’re in some state of dehydration.
Want a hydration cheat sheet? Use this:
LET’S TALK SOLUTIONS – HOW DO YOU STAY HYDRATED?
It takes more than a cup of water in the morning and then chugging a bottle midday when you’re blazing hot, to stay hydrated. Being dehydrated means you’re more likely to get muscle cramps and headaches – 2 things that can ruin any good summertime event.
Fun Fact: Once you feel thirsty, you’re ALREADY dehydrated.
You’ve probably heard most of this before, but it’s worth repeating. Hopefully it’ll stick this time, and you’ll be cruising around this summer feeling fantastic.
Drink a full glass of water every hour + 30 mins before you eat
Thirst can masquerade as hunger. This means you’re more likely to overeat if you’re thirsty, than if you’re well hydrated. And no, the ice that came with your cocktails doesn’t count.
Drinking water every hour will help cut down on cravings and snacking. Drinking water before you eat will help you keep your portions in check.
Both will help you keep your waistline on point all summer.
Keep a refillable bottle with you when you’re on the go
You want one that’s big enough to matter, light enough to not be too noticeable (when it’s full or empty), and keep everything at the right temperature for the whole day.
My favorite is the Zojirushi 20oz Stainless Steel Mug. It checks all these boxes, is practically spill proof and has the added bonus of being able to be opened with one hand.
Find it here on Amazon.
Ask your bartender
If you’re out where there’s food service, ask for a glass of water. And then ask for a refill when you’re done. No one’s going to give you a side eye. Water’s free around here.
If you just can’t get into the whole glass of water thing, ask for one of these instead:
- Club soda with splash of juice
- A cup of ice with a splash of juice
- Glass of water with a chunk of lemon (or fruit of your choice)
Notice how there’s “splash” before juice? That’s because juice will NOT hydrate you. All juices (even the 100% fruit kind) have got a ton of sugar. And that sugar is dehydrating.
So keep it at a splash. Your pee will stay clear and your body will thank you.
Eat your fruits and vegetables
Especially the raw kinds. This is where salads and fresh fruit comes into play.
These are the foods that hold the most water and the more of them you eat, the more hydrated you’ll stay. You also get the added benefit of fiber and a ton of vitamins and minerals that will help keep you hydrated for longer.
If it seems like a small thing to do, it’s really not. Every bit counts.
If grabbing a peach for a snack or having salad for lunch isn’t your thing, try this instead:
- Get great at smoothies. Find a bunch of great ones to get you started here. Or just head over to the recipe page and pick one that works for you.
- Add fresh fruit to something like yogurt or your morning cereal.
- Add extra veggies to your sandwich. More lettuce, tomato, onions, whatever you like. Every bit counts.
Keep a cooler in your car + what you love in your fridge
This is for all of you that feel like you live in your car.
Keep it stocked with a mini cooler tucked filled with cans of flavored seltzer or bottles of water. Using re-freezable ice packs makes this even easier. You’ll never end up thirsty in traffic again.
Same thing goes for when you’re at home. Put drinks and foods that will hydrated you where wherever you look for drink so you don’t have to go hunting for it. Keep a water filter in the fridge, infused water or any other water-based favorite close at hand.
This list is just a starting point. There’s a hundred ways to make sure you keep drinking water all summer.
Do this right, and might just end the summer healthier than you started!