In preparation for those hot summer months ahead, here are some simple, easy tips on how to stay hydrated.
- Add fresh fruit, lemon, lime, or fresh mint to water for a refreshing and flavorful taste that will entice you to drink more. Keep some lemon water in the fridge for those especially hot, sticky days.
- Sun tea! On a hot summer day, a great way to make tea without heating up the kitchen is to use the sun. Try to use caffeine-free or herbal tea, as they offer more hydration. Here’s an easy recipe: add 4 tea bags to water in a 2 quart glass container and throw in some mint if you choose. Cover and place in the sun for 3-5 hours, then refrigerate. Your sun tea may have a different and milder flavor than tea made with boiling water. If desired, stir in a bit of honey before you refrigerate the tea.
- Enjoy plenty of whole fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich in water and electrolytes like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Eat a variety of fruits and veggies such as bananas, watermelon, strawberries, papayas, fresh coconut and coconut water, dark leafy greens, salads, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and avocado. Other whole plant foods like beans, lentils, grains, nuts and seeds also offer a variety of electrolytes and nutrients to keep you hydrated and nourished.
- Always have a water bottle around, and consider investing in a HydroFlask (sold at Down to Earth). These bottles are great because they keep cold water cold for 24 hours, and hot water hot for 12 hours! In summer that’s especially good because you can keep your cool drinks with you all day without having to lug around a cooler, and there won’t be any condensation on the bottle -- the inside of your purse or backpack won’t get wet! If you work at a desk most of the day, have your bottle easily within reach to remind you to drink.
- After a workout, replenish your fluids with coconut water, which is naturally rich in electrolytes.
- Drink before you feel thirsty because by the time thirst kicks in, your body has already lost too much water and salt.
- Incorporate your exercise program into the morning hours before the sun is at its peak.
- Make a bunch of these Smoothie Pops! These healthy alternatives to sugary treats will help cool you down and they taste amazing!
- While you're in the kitchen, why not make a few batches of Piña Colada Nice Cream!
- Lastly, forget about driving to Down to Earth to do your shopping! Shop online and we'll take care of it and we offer delivery. Put your order in, slice up some cucumbers to put on your eyes and sit next to the fan and let us do the hard work.