Have you ever seen that cringe-worthy spoof ad where Paris Hilton claims to have a pill that will quench your thirst forever? No? Okay, first things first. Watch it here. It’s one of those weird internet phenomena you just can’t unsee. While you NanoDrops aren’t a real way to stay hydrated, we have some for you.
While we don’t have a NanoDrop, we do have some great tips to stay hydrated this summer. Those blazing ninety-degree days are coming up fast. Lucky for you, we’ve been scoping out some tips and tricks so you can stay hydrated on your summer adventures. It’s not always as simple as carrying around your favorite insulated bottle (that’s one way though).
How to Stay Hydrated on Your Summer Adventures
It’s not all about drinking eight glasses of water a day either. Most people wait to drink until they’re thirsty but by then your body is already very dehydrated. While the fastest solution might be to down that water bottle, it’s not always the best or most convenient one. Here are some tips to stay hydrated while you’re on-the-go.
1. Eat Raw Fruits and Vegetables
Did you know that in the summer, your body naturally craves raw foods? Raw fruits and veggies are filled with water. Eat raw produce throughout the summer and you won’t need to worry about chugging as much water. You’ll already be hydrating like crazy. If you need another incentive, the water from fruits and veggies is where most of the nutrients lie. So, eating raw helps you check both of those off your list of healthy eating goals.
Here’s a pro tip: Wash and pack a to-go bag of raw fruits and veggies to snack on throughout the day. If you’re going to the office, stick them in the fridge. For road trips, flights, and beach days, consider bringing an insulated portable cooling bag. Your best bets are berries (which are 87 to 95% water), baby carrots, water, and celery. You can pack some extra water bottles in there too.
2. Blend Watermelon and Make Your Own Fresh Juice
Are you one of those people that has to have something flavored to drink. While we like Arizona Green Tea as much as the next guy, you need something without a ton of sugar in it. If you can’t get yourself to drink water, blend watermelon and make your own fresh-pressed juice. Peel off the rind and toss some in a blender for some sweet, fruity hydration.
3. Soak Chia Seeds
Do what now? This is a new trick we’ve learned and honestly, we’re a bit obsessed. Did you know that by soaking chia seeds in water, they expand up to ten times their original size? Just make sure you soak the chia seeds in water before you snack on them. You don’t want to eat them after, as they would absorb the water you drank and actually dehydrate you.
Here’s a pro tip: Try making a chia gel. You can mix this into your smoothie for a little extra hydration. To make the chia gel, mix three tablespoons of chia seeds with water and let it chill in your fridge. Almond milk is also a great substitute for water. Keep the mix in your fridge for 20 minutes or more. Then, enjoy it topped with fruit for a healthy snack or dessert.
4. Freeze Bananas
What’s more delicious than a banana freeze? Besides being a great snack, they are rich in potassium, to help you replenish electrolytes you lose when you sweat. They also contain magnesium, which helps to balance the fluids in your body. Last but not least, their natural sugars provide energy, which is an awesome treat after you wake up in a daze from your midday beach snooze.
Here’s a fun trick: Make some banana ice cream! Take a ripe banana and cut it up into two-inch slices. Then, freeze them for five hours. Pulse the frozen slices in a blender or food processor fifteen times, scraping the sides as needed. Finally, blend until the banana mix has reached the consistency of soft-serve ice cream, adding a few teaspoons of water or almond milk if desired.
5. Infuse Your Water with Cucumbers, Lemons, or Berries
We’re sure you’ve heard about the health benefits of drinking warm lemon water in the morning. But on a scorching summer’s day, that probably doesn’t sound all that appealing. Here’s an alternative. Infuse your water with lemon. Slice up a few pieces and drop them into your favorite water bottle. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of Vitamin C. You can also cut up some cucumber slices or add berries to your water. It’s a great way to add a little flavor and make hydration more fun. There’s nothing more refreshing than strawberry water on a long hike.
6. Drink Coconut Water
Some say it’s an acquired taste but we can’t get enough. Nature’s sports drink holds four times the amount of potassium as a banana. That’s not the only perk. It’s also a great source of B-plus vitamins, electrolytes, and magnesium. While it’s deliciously sweet, it’s actually low in calories and sugar. Drinking a bottle of coconut water is a great way to stay hydrated.
Here’s a fun tip: Head to the beach with a cooler, coconut bowls, and some tiki straws in your tote bag. Now, you can get your beach pic sipping out of a coconut just like your favorite travel influencer.
7. Use Your Smartphone
There’s an app for everything. Download one that reminds you to stay hydrated and tracks your daily water intake. Water Your Body is one such app and it’s completely free. Just enter your weight and it will calculate how much water you need on a daily basis. Other features include personalized time settings, data log records, and tips for healthy water drinking habits. For more options, search “water drinking apps.”
8. Make Homemade Popsicles
There’s nothing more refreshing than enjoying a popsicle on a hot summer’s day. If you’re going on a road trip, it’s just one of many things you can stock your cooler with. Freezing fresh fruits and juices is a delicious summer treat and a great way to stay hydrated. Skip the store-bought popsicles. They usually contain a load of added sugars. Besides, making your own gives you endless possibilities for flavors. Check out these fun fruity popsicle recipes to help you beat the heat.
9. Limit Your Sugar Intake
Cut back on sugar and your body will thank you. When you consume less sugar, you can fuel your body more with healthy alternatives like raw fruits and veggies. Besides preventing a sugar crash and getting energy in a healthy way, you will see a healthy glow appear in your skin. Who doesn’t want a little more of that?
Do you have any tips or tricks to stay hydrated in the summer? Let us know your favorite ways to get that H20 in the comment section below.
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