Stay Hydrated this Summer!

Hydration is so important year-round, but even more so in the summer. You're sweating more, you're outdoors more, and you're consuming liquids that aren't all that hydrating (I'm looking at you, alcohol). Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to stay hydrated during the warmer months. 


1) Salt
This is for the times when you're really dehydrated. Have you ever eaten a boatload of fries and woken up the next morning looking noticeably puffier? That's due to water retention from the salt. You can add a pinch of salt to a large glass of water (extra points if it's pink salt) to help you retain more of the water in your system instead of excreting it. This isn't an everyday thing for most people, but if you're working out hard or are sweating a ton, this is one of the best ways to make sure you're actually retaining the water that you're drinking. 

2) Eat Water Rich Foods
You don't need to drink all your water! Some foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and pretty much all veggies and fruits have a high water content that can count towards your daily intake. This is also the perfect excuse to eat healthier because fresh foods are water rich foods, so you have a reason to avoid the processed junk. 

3) Carry a Bottle 
You need to have a water bottle with you! By having a water bottle in hand, you will unconsciously drink a lot more water. I love a hydroflask because it keeps my water ice cold and looks way better than a plastic bottle. 

4) Be Aware of What You're Drinking
Sometimes we underestimate how much alcohol and caffeine we're consuming and overestimate the amount of water we're drinking. My personal rule of thumb is to drink 2x as much water compared to non-water drinks during the day and to have a glass of water per alcoholic drink. You could also bulk up your alcoholic drinks by watering them down with sparkling water or La Croix. 

Let me know in the comments what your favorite ways to hydrate are! I've been on a gigantic La Croix kick so that's been one of my favorite ways to get my 8 glasses in! 
-Sienna