Hot summer days call for tall and tasty drinks. In the summer months, whether you are thirsty or not, your body requires more fluids to keep cool and replenish water and electrolytes lost through sweat. Sipping on summer drinks are a big part of summer fun.
So, you can enjoy the summer while drinking refreshing beverages that offer great taste. These 7 drinks will hydrate your body with electrolytes and nutrients for well-being without giving up taste.
How Much Fluid Do I Need?
Most of us believe that we should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day. But in reality, fluid consumption depends a lot on your environment and your own physical needs.
Thirst is not always a good indicator of your need to drink. Just how much should you drink? The answer might surprise you. As a general rule of thumb, drink ½ your weight in ounces.
For example, if you weigh 100 pounds you may only need about 50 oz. You should also drink more water if you exercise (8 oz. for every 20 minutes of activity), travel on planes and if it’s hot and humid outside.
There is no excuse not to drink and stay hydrated. If you do not like drinking water, drink different healthy beverages to nourish and satisfy your fluid needs.
Dehydrating Eats and Drinks
Do you typically gulp down fruit drinks, sports drinks or soda? Are you eating foods that contain high amounts of sugar, sodium and caffeine that increase fluid needs? You may not taste it, but most drinks and eats that are packaged and sitting on a shelf contain these ingredients. So, you need to drink more.
To maintain hydration in the heat of the summer and to help keep your weight loss goals in sight, replace dehydrating foods and beverages with any of these sizzling summer drink options.
Dehydration can be a common problem during the summer, you might need to determine why you are so thirsty. Get a routine health exam and use my simple Health Indicator Test to check for any potential health issues that can influence fluid needs.
7 Top Sizzling Summer Drinks
Drink up! Enjoy your fun in the Sun. Try these 7 sizzling summer beverages that will help you stay cool, healthy and maintain your waistline.
Infused Water
Water will always top my list. Drinking water will help you get your sexy back. Add some zest to it with a slice or two of lemon or lime, cucumber & mint, berries, or any fruit of your choice. This will help to replace electrolytes. Clear crisp refreshing always with zero calories.
Vegetable Juice
Make your own vegetable juice or green drink. Vegetable juice contains important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that play an important role in wellness. This nutrient-packed power drink tastes OH SO GOOD! Or, if it’s too much work on a hot summer day, buy this convenient powder, greens plus drink, just add tea or water.
Watermelon Smoothie
This simple “pinktastic” watermelon smoothie recipe could be your miracle drink this summer. With only 40 calories and 6 grams of carbs, this smoothie will be more satisfying and has 60% fewer calories than a 100-calorie snack pack. Plus, it will add healthy nutrients (vitamin A and potassium, calcium, magnesium, choline* ) to your diet.
*Read More: Why is choline is so important for good health
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea (pronounced roy-bos) is caffeine free. This means it’s not dehydrating and maintains fluid and electrolytes levels in your body. The good news is that it doesn’t contain tannins (compounds that decrease iron and amino acid absorption).
Kefir
Kefir is another good choice for a summer drink. It’s packed with nutrients. Plus, it supports digestion and bone health. It naturally contains good bacteria and everyone should be consuming a good probiotic. One 4 oz. serving contains 75 calories, 4 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs and 4 grams of protein.
Coconut Water
Coconut water (unsweetened, of course) contains 60 calories in every 11 oz. serving. Coconut is a fruit so the calories are 100% sugar. However it also has about 700 mg potassium. If you like it, drink 1/2 (about 5-6 oz) to cut calories and add a little flavor after a workout to help restore electrolyte balance.
V-8
V-8 is a convenient “vegetable juice”. It cant be compared to a fresh vegetable smoothie because it is processed. This means it has higher amounts of sodium but if you cannot drink water and in an emergency it is better choice than other processed drinks. It does contain vitamins A, C, iron, and calcium. It does not contain high fructose corn syrup.
Summer Sizzling Thirst Quenching Drinks: Wrap Up
Drink! Use tasty beverages to stay hydrated on hot summer days. These summer sizzling thirst quenching drinks are meant to keep you happy and healthy. And, they will not sabotage your weight loss goals.
Eating foods that contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and caffeine will increase your fluid needs. Keep this in mind if you typically gulp down sugary fruit drinks, sports drinks or soda. Even diet soda is filled with sodium. Most foods that are packaged or served at restaurants, will contain added salt or sugar. To stay hydrated and keep your weight loss goals in sight, replace your sugar-filled summer drinks with any of my sizzling sexy summer refreshers.