During the summer it is more important than ever to stay hydrated. Whether you’re dancing at an intensive, spending the day at the beach, or walking in the park you’re bound to lose water. Replacing this lost fluid is crucial in order to maintain optimum physical performance and health.
The concept of hydration is simple, but the execution can require a bit of effort. Let’s face it: Water is boring. Though it’s refreshing after a long workout or a few hours in the sun, it can be hard to remember to drink H2O when you’re not thirsty. One trick to help you get your fluids is to add some pizazz to your drinks. Here are some healthy and tasty beverage options to fill the gap in your water intake without adding too many extra calories to your diet.
The Simplest of Drinks: Lemon Water and Infusions
Before you try bottled drinks off the shelf, try adding flavor to your existing glass of water.
Lemon Water: Lemon juice not only adds flavor, but also is great for your digestive system, immune system, skin, and tissue and bone health. It is recommended that you consume at least half a lemon per day to reap its full benefits. You can also create a zero- calorie lemonade by combining water, lemon juice, and stevia. Add a bit of cayenne pepper for some healthful heat!
Infusions: By adding berries, cucumber, herbs and spices to your water you can create great flavors without the extra calories. Fill a big pitcher with water, add fruits and herbs of your choice, and let it sit for a few hours. Here’s one tasty infusion recipe.
Juice
Though they have a higher sugar content, juices (especially homemade) are a good addition to your daily drinks. Juices provide extra vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables and are good for digestion. Avoid to many processed juices, as they tend to lose nutritional value and often have excessive amounts of sugar. Try making your own and get creative! Here are a few recipes to get you started. [Read more…]
