As the temperature rises and the sun shines brighter, staying hydrated becomes essential for our well-being during the summer months. Proper hydration not only helps us beat the heat, but also supports our overall health and energy levels.
We all want to feel our best, right?!
There is no magic number of ounces per day, but a good place to start is about ½ of your ideal body weight in ounces of water. During the Summer, you may need more if you are spending time outdoors and in the heat. It’s important to make sure you are listening to your body and drinking water throughout the day.
One of the best things you can do is buy a water bottle you LOVE and keep it with you throughout the day. I love an insulated stainless steel water bottle with ice and electrolytes. You can use sea salt and lemon juice for electrolytes,or use an electrolyte powder.
You can also add in hydrating foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables with a high water content like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries can provide both nutrients and hydration, win-win!
Another tip is to avoid dehydrating beverages. I know it’s tempting to reach for a fun cocktail or iced caffeinated drinks, but these will actually dehydrate your body more, and leave you worse off. Limit consumption of soda, coffee, energy drinks and alcohol, or if you do drink these on a hot day, be sure to balance them out with water and electrolytes to stay properly hydrated.
Lastly, listen to your body. Your body provides valuable cues when it comes to hydration. Thirst is an indicator that you need to drink water, so don’t ignore it. Additionally, be aware of other signs of dehydration - fatigue, dark urine and dizziness.
In the scorching summer heat, staying hydrated is one of the most important things we can do for our overall health and energy levels.
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