Ruo Bing Li, Annika Kafcaloudis
Water is the source of life, the elixir of beauty, and the guardian of health. Keeping your hydration levels up is important all year round, yet it becomes especially crucial during sun-drenched summer days. As the heat intensifies, it triggers greater fluid loss through sweating, making our bodies more vulnerable. Here are 6 simple yet effective tips to help you stay hydrated this summer, whether you're enjoying an exotic honeymoon under palm trees or reveling in the magic of your favorite city.
Drink, Drink, Drink
It might seem obvious but the more you drink, the better. Kickstart your mornings with a glass of water to feel more fresh, energized and ready to take on the day. Then, have another cup with each meal, after exercising, and before bedtime. Make sure to drink fluids gradually throughout the day, even if it’s just small portions. Another important rule is to always keep your water bottle within reach. This way, you're more likely to sip consistently and stay hydrated.
Add a Touch of Flavor
If drinking plain water sounds boring to you, try adding natural flavors to make it more enjoyable. These might be berries, a few slices of lemon, cucumber or tropical fruits such as mango or pineapple, or collagen boosting elixir's like from The Beauty Chef. Your water would be even more flavorful with herbals added in, especially mint leaves, which pair perfectly with most fruits. This trick will help you increase your water intake and drink more than you usually do.
Eat it!
Quite literally! To boost your fluid intake even more, snack on water-rich foods. Celery, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, grapefruit, oranges and strawberries - all contain a great percentage of water. During summer heat, the appetite is lower than usual, so fresh fruits and veggies can be a great solution, enriching you with vitamins and fluids.
Set Reminders
No doubt, we all know how important it is to drink water, but truth is we simply forget to do so because of how busy we are with friends, family or work. That’s where water tracker apps come to the rescue! They are designed specifically to help you stay on track with your daily intake. They are handy to monitor progress, set reminders, and even earn badges to keep yourself motivated. There are hundreds of thousands of water trackers available online for every device possible, from phones and tablets to smart watches. So, you can choose whichever fits your requirements!
Watch Your Alcohol & Caffeine Intake
Sunny and warm, summer is tailor-made for enjoying cocktails or lemonade. Sadly, these drinks may work against your hydration. Alcohol, caffeine and sugary sodas, rather than filling you with much-needed fluids, can actually dehydrate you by removing water from your tissues. The solution is to cut on these beverages or drink an extra glass of water for every dehydrating drink you have.
Dress Light
Your summer wardrobe choice can also play a huge role in keeping you hydrated. When the weather allows, wear lightweight, loose-fit clothing made of breathable fabrics. This is to help your body stay cool once you step outside and reduce the amount of water you lose through sweating.
