Tips for staying hydrated
all summer long.
Getting enough water everyday is important to your overall health. Drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in a mood change, cause your body to over heat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones.
Your body needs more water when you are in hot climates (during the summer months), more physically active, running a fever, etc. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. You can get some fluids through the foods that you eat as well, especially foods with high water content, such as fruits and vegetables.
Of course there are many other beverage options besides water, and many of these can be part of a healthy diet. Beverages vary in their nutrient and calorie content.
Low or no calorie beverages ~ Plain coffee or teas, sparkling water, seltzers, and flavored waters, are low calorie choices that can be part of a healthy diet.
Drinks with calories and important nutrients ~ Low fat or fat-free milk, fortified milk alternatives such as unflavored soy or almond milks, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice contain important nutrients such as calcium, potassium, or vitamin D. These drinks should be enjoyed within recommended calorie limits.
So try to remember to Rethink Your Drink!! when trying to stay hydrated.
Limiting sugary drinks can help you maintain a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. Many people do not realize how much sugar and calories are in common drinks. To view a table on amounts of sugar and calories per drink
click here!
Here are some quick tips to help Rethink Your Drink!!
Choose water (tap, bottled, or sparkling) over sugary drinks.
~ Need more flavor? Add berries or slices of lime, lemon or cucumber to water.
~ Missing fizzy drinks? Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
~ Need help breaking the habit? Don't stock up on sugary drinks. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.
~ Water just won't do? Reach for drinks that contain important nutrients such as low fat or fat free milk, fortified milk alternatives, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice first.
~ At the coffee shop? Skip the flavored syrups or whipped cream. Ask for a drink with low fat or fat free milk, a milk alternative such as soy or almond, or get back to basics with black coffee.
~
At the store? Read the
Nutrition Facts Label to choose drinks that are low in calories, added sugars, and saturated fat.
~ On the go? Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
Rethink your drink and be a role model for your friends and family
by choosing water and other healthy, low-calorie beverages.
