6 Tips For Staying Hydrated

Keeping your body hydrated is essential, especially as seasonal temperatures peak.   

So how do you do it? There's the easy answer, of course: Drink a lot of water. But that doesn't quite satisfy the question. What if you have trouble remembering to drink your daily dose? How do you know if you're dehydrated in the first place? What if you don't even like water? 

Check out the following tips for advice on how to stay hydrated.

1. Keep a Water Bottle Handy

Here's a piece of advice that's easy and efficient: Always try to keep a reusable bottle or cup of water with you throughout the day. If you're one of those people who has trouble remembering to drink as much water as you should, having a bottle near you will help keep it at the top of your priorities list. Plus, refills are free. 

2. Don't Wait Until You're Thirsty

Fatigue, headache, dizziness — all can be indicators that it's time to rehydrate. But what about thirst? Interestingly enough, many maintain that by the time you actually feel thirsty, you've probably already lost a significant amount of water. For this reason, it's important to drink small sips regularly throughout the day (chugging a full drink in one sitting isn't required, it's not like you're at a college frat party after all).

3. Make Your Water More Interesting

Not much of a fan of plain water? Many recommend adding herbs and fresh fruit — citrus and berries are popular choices — to you water to boost the flavor intrigue. (We love this recipe for watermelon, mint, and cucumber water.) Some also claim that lemon water (made by mixing in the juice of a quarter a lemon) helps balance electrolytes and promotes the absorption of water into your cells. Or if you're a big soda drinker, opt for sparkling water or club soda instead which at least offers a similar texture — just make sure it doesn't have any added sugar or sodium. 

4. Drink Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices

Believe it or not, water is not the only star of the hydration show — electrolytes, essential fatty acids, and minerals are also important when it comes to keeping you hydrated. So opt for fresh juices made from high-water content fruits and vegetables to supplement your body's needs. Think watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, and the like. (Watching your weight? Try diluting the juice with water or club soda to help cut down on the sugar and calories.) And actually, you don't just have to drink your juice — fresh fruit popsicles are a great (not to mention tasty) hydrating alternative. 

5. Other Water Alternatives

Aside from fresh fruit and vegetable juices, drinks like coconut water and skim milk are also good hydrators. Some have claimed skim milk hydrates better than Gatorade, while coconut water is an isotonic liquid, and packed with a variety of good-for-you vitamins and minerals.

6. Minimize Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

This one's a bit of a no-brainer but worth stating nonetheless. Both alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. You don't have to give up your morning cup of coffee or nightly glass of wine, just be mindful to consume these types of beverages in moderation.