Top 5 Ways to Stay Hydrated (that aren’t water)

by | Jul 30, 2017 | Nutrition, Recipe, Wellness

By Nutritionist: Tanya Agard CNP, NWS, PT, BA

Thirsty? It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Hydration is a key component to any nutrition or exercise regime. Many people underestimate the importance of water to the body.

Related Articles: 10 Important Ways Water Benefits Your Body’s Health

Some of the common signs of dehydration include:

  • Little or no urine
  • Urine darker than usual
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleepiness or fatigue
  • Hunger
  • Extreme thirst
  • Headache confusion dizziness or lightheadedness
  • No tears when crying

A good test of hydration is a urine test: If your urine is clear or straw coloured that is a good sign – you are hydrated.

What are the best options for hydration?

While WATER is always a great option, here are 5 of our top picks to help you stay hydrated:

  1. Green leafy veggies that have a high-water concentration What is the best way to eat your leafy greens? In a smoothie, in a salad or in an omelet.
  1. Fruit such as watermelon, strawberries (92% water volume), grapefruit (91%). Grapefruit also has an enzyme called –activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helpsboost metabolism. AMPK is generally activated during exercise to help muscles use stored sugar and fat for energy.
  1. Bone broth has become very popular in the last 6 months not just for hydration but it is rich in minerals that support immune system. Bone broth contains healing compounds like collagen which heals the gut lining and decreases intestinal inflammation and the amino acids glycine and proline for joint health and muscle recovery.
  1. Coconut water – known as ‘Nature’s Gatorade’ is very high in electrolytes. Make sure it is unsweetened as most have 19-26 grams of sugar. Coconut water will also act as a diuretic, ridding body of water weight, keeping you feeling full longer and helps with your metabolic rate.
  1. Homemade electrolyte drinks – contain minerals that maintain your body’s ionic balance which is essential for nerve, muscle and brain function. Calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, potassium and sodium are all electrolytes.

Have you ever checked a Gatorade label?

The majority of people who drink sports drinks are not athletes. This bottle of Gatorade contains a whopping 35 grams of sugar more than the recommended serving per day!

A 12oz serving contains 21 grams of sugar, but because a regular bottle of Gatorade contains 32 oz, you are actually getting 52grams of sugar! It also contains preservatives and food dyes that are difficult for the body to recognize.

Give this homemade ELECTROLYTE drink a try:

Ingredients

  • 500 ml filtered water
  • 2 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
  • ¼- ½ tsp Himalayan salt
  • ¼ lemon, squeezed

Directions

Add contents to a portable water bottle and shake.

This drink can be consumed before, during or after exercise.

Still feeling like you need more direction? Click here for a free 15-minute nutrition consultation with one of our Nutritionists.