With the summer sun blazing down on your shoulders, you may end up sweating away more water than you realize, even if you’re relatively sedentary in your beach chair. Even without exercising, women need about 11 cups of water a day and men need 20. Use these tips to increase your water intake and stay on top of your hydration levels this summer.
Choose the Right Snacks
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You should get 20 percent of your daily water intake from food. Skip the dry granola bars or salty chips and nuts. Instead, fill your lunchbox with water-rich fruits and vegetables like:
- Cucumber
- Watermelon
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Tomatoes
- Green peppers
- Cauliflower
Increase the impact by pairing them together in tasty combos like a strawberry salad or crisp slice of cucumber topped with sweet watermelon and a sprinkling of rich feta.
Try a New Water Bottle
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If you’re struggling to drink enough water throughout the day, look for a water bottle with smart features that will help you get the job done. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, choose one with a fruit infuser built-in. This makes it easy to pop fresh fruits right into your water for a flavor boost. Having trouble finding filtered water while you’re on the go? Invest in a water bottle with a built-in filter so tap water is drinkable in seconds.
Choose Triggers for New Habits
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If you want to make hydration a long-term habit, choose triggers that remind you to drink more water. This could be as simple as stopping at the water cooler whenever you head to the printer. You should also stay aware of common signs of dehydration. Use these as triggers to grab your water bottle:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Yellow urine
- Dizziness
If hydrating doesn’t relieve these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor for another diagnosis. Fortunately, with an app like Curely.co, answers are just a few taps away.
Upgrade Other Drinks
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Water is best, but other drinks have their merits as well. Sports drinks and coconut water offer electrolytes that help you replenish minerals lost through an intense workout. Caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda don’t hydrate as well because the caffeine acts as a diuretic, leaching water from the body. Choose your beverages wisely for the best benefits.
Download Hydration Apps
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If you have trouble tracking your water intake, you can use handy apps to keep your hydration in line. Plant Nanny lets you log your water intake as you virtually water an adorable animated plant. For a more technical approach, try iDrated. This app tracks exactly how hydrated you are based on your age and weight. It lets you know how long it’s been since your last sip, how much more you need, and when you should down more water.
Increase your hydration if you’re working out, but don’t ignore it completely when your day is relatively laid-back. Even a long day at your desk can leave you dehydrated if you’re not consuming the right foods and beverages.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
