A Guide to Staying Hydrated this Summer

Contributor: Cristin Smith
Photographer: Sarah Shreves

Water: The element of life. No living thing on Earth can survive without it; we all depend on this life-source to nourish our bodies—from the big, like maintaining proper water levels, to the small, such as facilitating neurological and chemical functions. And not only is it necessary for survival, but it is the very symbol of cleansing and cleanliness, rebirth and renewal. With that, it is essential to hydrate enough—inside and out—to ensure a long, healthy life.

Listed below are different ways to guarantee proper hydration. Try each one to see which you like best or mix it up throughout the day!

Water

Yes, plain water. It gets the job done and efficiently. Not sure how much you should be drinking? While many of you grew up hearing that you need 8 glasses of water a day, the answer is really to take what you weigh in pounds and divide it in half. Then you will have how many ounces of water you should be drinking a day. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink 70 ounces of water a day.

Coconut Water

Studies have shown that coconut water promotes fluid retention, which makes it great in the hotter months such as summer when we are sweating more often. Coconut water also has calories, sodium, and carbs—unlike water—so it is beneficial when working out in the summer heat (and more natural than sports drinks). Even better? Coconut water is delicious with lime or other fruit juice!

Teas

Another great way to stay hydrated is by drinking tea. The myth that teas are dehydrating has long been debunked, so this is a good choice for those who like to multi-task—tea helps you stay hydrated and has added health benefits! Plus, so many taste lovely.

Food

Staying hydrated doesn’t just come from drinking liquids. It also comes from various foods you eat with a high water content. Coincidentally, many summer foods are high in water content such as cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon, strawberries, and citrus. For your next summer gathering, make a tasty salad containing these hydrating foods.

However you choose to hydrate yourself, make sure you do it regularly. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to reach for a glass of water.