Summer Hydration

With July right around the corner, we have entered the heat of summer. And I mean that literally. The temperature is rising and it is staying there. It feels like every time I step out of my house, I break an immediate sweat. And summer is a busy time for most of us! The days become filled with errands, time with friends at the pool, or even watching a Richmond Squirrels baseball game. When you get to the end of your day, you realize that you have maybe had one sip of water all day. 

Staying hydrated does not have to become a full-time job. However, especially in the summer, it does help to be a bit more intentional about your H2O intake. 

Why hydration matters more in the summer 

When it is hot outside, your body begins to sweat. Sweating is essentially your body's very own built-in air conditioning system (cool, right?).  It helps you to cool down… but this also means that you are losing fluids. During everyday routines like going for a walk or watering your yard, you might be losing more water than you think. When the weather gets hot, your body needs some extra attention. 

Wake up: hydrate

One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated is to begin early in the day. I like to keep a glass of water by my bed so when I wake up, the first thing I do is drink water. Then throughout the day, keep a water bottle near you. I have found it much easier to want to drink water when I have a fun water bottle. My favorite right now is the 40oz HYDROJUG. I know, it's very large, but the handle and the fact that I can put it in my car cup holder have sold me. 

Electrolytes

Water is a great place to start, and a classic! But sometimes your body may need a little more. Especially if you tend to be active outside, like running, biking, swimming, and pickleball! Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, magnesium and potassium. They help your body to maintain balance and to stay hydrated. When you sweat, you aren't just losing water, but those minerals as well. 

In the summer especially, it is handy to keep some electrolyte packets nearby. LMNT and Liquid I.V. are some of the electrolyte brands that I buy on the regular. LMNT has just recently come out with a Pink Lemonade flavor that I love. It's refreshing and really does taste like pink lemonade! 

So, before you head out for a walk with friends, a summer swim meet, or a Richmond Squirrels game, grab your favorite water bottle, add electrolytes if you need them, and toss a bag of Rosemary Sea Salt Absurd Snacks in there too! Stay hydrated!