Do you find water too boring? Luckily, there are a few tricks that can make hydration a lot easier. While it’s true that there is no substitute for plain, pure water, there are some drinks and snacks you can use to supplement your intake. Here are some of the surprising ways to stay hydrated!
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Fruits & Veggies
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 20% of our daily water intake comes from food. Fruits and vegetables are high in water content, and you can easily keep your body hydrated by eating fruits and veggies that contain 85% water or more. Here are some great options:
- Cucumbers and lettuce – 96% water
- Celery and radishes – 95% water
- Tomatoes and cauliflower – 94% water
- Bell peppers and spinach – 92% water
- Strawberries and watermelons – 92% water
- Cantaloupe – 90% water
- Peaches – 88% water
- Pineapple – 87 % water
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Coconut Water
Dubbed Mother Nature’s sports drink, coconut water has high electrolyte levels, low-calorie content, more potassium, and fewer carbohydrates than popular sports drinks. How can you not go nuts for coconut water? Re-hydrate after a mild workout with this tropical beverage. Though being low in sodium and a healthy drink, coconut water is not enough to hydrate you after an intensive workout. If you know you’re about to go into an intense workout, opt for a sports drink instead.
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Sports Drinks
If you are planning to exercise or be active outdoors, sports drinks can actually help. They contain carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, and sodium that help your body absorb water, increase energy levels, and help you recover. Something to keep in mind though after a mild workout, a sports drink may supply a bit too many unwanted calories. To keep things under control, try making your own sports drink at home or opting for a refreshing glass of water instead.
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Juice Up
Fruit and vegetable juices are a great alternative to plain water, and each glass delivers valuable nutrients, too. A glass of fresh fruit juice in the morning will refresh your whole body. Plus, it counts as one of your five daily servings of fruit. If you can’t decide on one particular fruit, go for a smoothie! Our tip is going for pomegranate juice, a great source of potassium, which restores electrolyte balance, and is a tasty, refreshing beverage.
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Milk
A great source of calcium and protein; milk is also excellent to re-hydrate after a workout. According to research, milk is better than water and sports drinks for re-hydration and recovery after exercising. Just make sure you go for low-fat milk as whole milk delays fluid replacement. Surprisingly, chocolate milk is even better! Compared to plain milk, water, or sports drinks, chocolate milk has higher levels of carbohydrates and protein, which help your muscles recover after intensive workouts. It also contains calcium, sugar, and sodium, which help retain water and retain energy. Chocolate milk might just be the recovery drink you’ve been looking for! Make sure you make your own chocolate milk to avoid the added sugar, flavors, and preservatives in store-bought ones.
Ways To Stay Hydrated: Coffee
No error here, we’re talking about actual coffee! We all thought coffee was a diuretic that causes dehydration. However, a study conducted by PLOS ONE Journal debunks the myth and shows there is no link between coffee consumption and dehydration. In fact, your daily cup of joe helps you stay hydrated just as water does, while at the same time improving muscle performance and endurance, boosting memory and concentration, and reducing the risks of certain ailments like heart disease and diabetes.
For more tips, make sure to check out the blog on BookYogaRetreats.com. You can also show us how you stay hydrated by tagging us on Instagram @glamandgowns, and Faviana’s Instagram @Faviana_NY, Snapchat @Faviana_NY, and Twitter @FavianaNY. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube channel for more fun vlogs @FavianaNYC, too!
Xo,
Octavia
Octavia is a travel writer for BookSurfCamps.com and a guest writer for Glam & Gowns. To find out how you can become one of our guest writers, email us at blog@faviana.com!
