5 ways to ensure you’re staying hydrated.
“My iced coffee is hydrating, right?” “Just one more glass of Cloudy Bay, and then I’ll switch to water…” Sound familiar? We thought so!
Staying properly hydrated sounds easy, right? Not always! It’s pretty common to get dehydrated quickly, especially in the hot summer months when we spend more time sweating than we care to admit. Whether we’re taking a socially distanced walk with friends, hanging at the beach, or just sitting outside, water starts to exit out bodies as soon as we’re in the heat, thus causing dehydration! Staying hydrated is not only important for looking and feeling your best (hello clear skin!), but it also helps to stabilize body temperature, promotes healthy bowel movements, reduces kidney stone risk, and filters out toxins & waste from your body. Long story short – actively hydrate!
So, we know hydration is important, but how does one stay hydrated?! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. At F-Factor, we’re constantly encouraging this, because after all – water is fiber’s best friend. They work hand in hand to make for optimal digestion, which leaves you feeling 100%. Get sippin’, because we’re sharing some of our favorite #FFACTORAPPROVED ways to stay hydrated this summer!
DRINK THAT H20
Ok, this one is a no brainer. Everyone needs to be drinking more water to stay hydrated, but as sticklers on the topic, we recommend at least 3 liters a day. We understand this may seem daunting, so we’ve asked our Registered Dietitians to give their #1 tip for getting in their daily 3Ls.
Up your Water Glass Game: Director of Nutrition, Amanda Karp, MS, RD, CDN, says, “I squeeze fresh lemon in my ice-cold water for a more refreshing drink while I’m working. I also love drinking sparkling water over ice with lots of citrus slices, specifically in a wine glass. It sounds silly but it makes me feel like I’m having a treat, making it so much easier to drink!
Keep a Water Bottle Close: Maria Stavropoulos, MS, RD, CDN, says, “I keep a water bottle on me at all times (or as often as I can) and I like to save my fruit serving for a midmorning or midafternoon hydrating/fiber-packed snack. Recently I’ve been adding berries to my ice cubes for drinks as well! It looks pretty and gives plain water a hint of flavor.
Infuse Your Water: Julia Tishman, MS, RD, CDN, says, “I love using a water diffuser pitcher where I can put fresh fruit and herbs inside to make naturally flavored water. It makes me look forward to drinking water! It’s so easy to use and you can switch out the flavors every few days. I usually love putting lots of fresh lemons and a little basil, or cucumber and mint.”
Try Herbal Tea: Samantha Hass, RD, CDN, says, “I’ve been making herbal iced tea and love drinking that throughout the day to keep me hydrated. “
TRY FLAVORED WATERS
We get it, sometimes just water (regardless of the fruity infusions) is not going to cut it. That is when we turn to our favorite hydrating drink – Wanu Water. It’s a naturally flavored water packed with 10 essential nutrients that provide natural energy and boost your metabolism – including 24% of your daily fiber needs (that’s 6g of fiber)! It’s delicious on its own, but we’ve also been adding it to our 20/20 Smoothies and enjoying as a sugar-free “mixer” in cocktails … that counts as extra hydration, right? 😉
INVEST IN A NEW WATER BOTTLE
Similar to the motivational effects of a new workout outfit, a trendy refillable water bottle (with aaaaallllll the bells and whistles) can motivate you to hydrate more often as well! Look for one that keeps your water cold the longest or has Liter/Milliliter marks on the bottle to help you track your intake.
TRACK YOUR WATER INTAKE
Speaking of tracking…we know what you’re thinking – “Ugh, another thing to journal?!”. Hear us out; similar to tracking your meals on F-Factor, journaling makes you aware of what you’re consuming (food or beverages), which can help you to make more mindful decisions. Plus, you really have no excuse, as it is so easy to track nowadays with innovative apps, watches, your new marked water bottle, and of course our journal!
EAT MORE WATER FILLED FRUITS AND VEGGIES
There are so many fruits and veggies that have a naturally occurring high water count, thus making them extra hydrating. Some of our go-to favorites are cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, romaine, tomatoes, blueberries, celery, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and pears!
All in all, it’s plain and simple – just drink (and eat) your water! The more you hydrate, the better you will look and feel. Bottoms up!