We will probably be talking a lot about ‘keeping hydrated’ this summer. When the temperatures soar into the 90’s and above and high humidity makes it feel even hotter; it’s important to make sure you’re drinking enough fluid. It’s also crucial to keep tabs on infants, children and the elderly who may not be able to articulate or know when they need to drink fluids.
While water will do the trick to keep you hydrated, not everyone likes drinking water so here are some other ways of getting the fluid you need.
• Flavor water with a squeeze of lemon or orange.
• Make your own “spa water” by floating frozen or fresh sliced berries and mint or rosemary in a pitcher and keeping it in your fridge.
• Fill up a large thermal water bottle for yourself ( a smaller one or kids) to keep water cold and easy to transport.
• Enjoy “juicy” fruit like watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, and grapefruit. These fruits have a higher water content.
• Make or buy fruit juice popsicles with no added sugar.
You can still drink hot or cold coffee, hot or iced tea, lemonade….all of these beverages that are made with primarily water will help keep you hydrated, just pay attention so you aren’t getting excessive added sugar if these are the beverages you’re drinking.
Beverages you may want to limit or avoid:
• regular (sweetened sodas) – high calories from added sugar
• alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, liquor – these will increase the possibility of becoming dehydrated as they can increase urination.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian
facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian
800-334-4936