Growing up, I spent many weekends helping my mom run errands, and I always felt tired and irritated after a long day. At the time, I thought I was just worn out after a long day, but I now realize that I wasn’t drinking enough water!
Hydration is a fancy word for helping our body absorb water. We need water to keep our bodies running smoothly, just like a car engine needs oil. If you want to know all of the amazing benefits of drinking water, check out our blog Essential Hydration, but for now just know that water improves everything from headaches to energy.
Being hydrated is important to help you enjoy the time you spend out and about. So how do we make hydration interesting?
Make It Fun!
Carry around a refillable water bottle! Specifically, water bottles with straws can make it more convenient to drink water throughout the day. I find it helpful to have one that doesn’t leak, so I can carry it around in my purse or backpack when I’m out running errands.
More than just water. Squeeze some lime or lemon juice into your drink or add herbs like mint or basil! If you like a tang of orange juice, add a splash of OJ to your water to spice it up.
Tea such as herbal, black, or green teas still count towards your daily water intake. Opt for unsweetened varieties, and enjoy hot or cold.
4 Recipes to Keep You Cool
These hydrating recipes are so easy, even your kids could help prepare them!
- Mango smoothie – fruits are often over 80% water content, meaning that a fruit smoothie is the perfect way to sneak in a little extra hydration. Try customizing with different types!
- Straw basil popsicles – my all-time favorite healthy popsickle recipe!
- Fall fruit salad – as we enter the cooler months in fall, try this unique fruit salad (and level up your hydration game).
- Water agua fresca – try this recipe if you think staying hydrated is boring – you’ll thank me later.
4 Fruits to Keep You Hydrated
For on-the-go hydration (aka something you can pack in a lunchbox or snack on) try these fruits!
Keep in mind, even though I listed some options with high water contents all fruits have lots of water in them. Eat fresh or frozen varieties to your heart’s content!
- Watermelon – 92% water
- Strawberries – 91% water
- Oranges – 87% water
- Grapes – 78% water
*USDAFoodDataCentral
4 Vegetables to Keep You Hydrated
You didn’t think we would forget about the water content in vegetables, do you? In fact, vegetables oftentimes contain even more water than fruits!
- Cucumbers – 96% water
- Celery – 95% water
- Lettuce – 95% water
- Tomatoes – 93% water
*USDAFoodDataCentral
Summary
Hydration is so much more than a sip from the dreaded public water fountain – with a little bit of forethought, you can add flavor, fruit, and fun to elevate your hydration game. Comment down below one of the tips you want to incorporate into your daily life!