Posted on September 25th, 2016

With warmer weather kicking in quicker this year with temperatures already rising to 30+ degrees this often means beaching it up, swimming in the pool, camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Often these activities involve lots of sunshine and drinking and I don’t just mean water!

Keeping cool and hydrated is important as we will have to battle with hot, humid and what sometimes feels like ‘unbearable’ weather. While sitting and sleeping in air-conditioning is also nice during the hotter months, it can still be dehydrating.

While we all know we need to drink a lot of water all year round (approximately 1.5-2L daily) and that’s the minimum, the taste can become boring for some people. We all wake up of a morning dehydrated after sleeping so we need start our day by rehydrating ourselves. The easiest way to do this is to drink 1-2 glasses of water upon waking. This also kicks starts your metabolism and lymphatic system to start detoxifying your body. BONUS!

Try these simple tips to help you stay cool and hydrated during these warmer months.

• Coconut Water – it is a natural electrolyte, contains essential minerals and is quite tasty. If you are consuming alcohol why not add some coconut water as a mixer or use coconut water in smoothies.
• Smoothies – smoothies are a great way to drink more liquid and can be mixed using a variety of different bases (water, milks and juices). Adding fresh fruits are also a great way to keep cool and hydrated for longer.
• Fruits and Vegetables – contain a high percentage of water. Foods such as; watermelon, celery, cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce and oranges are all great sources of water as well as nutrients.

Herbal teas, fresh fruit, vegetables juices and plant based milks are also great sources of water and can make drinking water a little less mandatory and more appealing. Even adding some fresh fruit to your water to change the flavour slightly can make a huge difference to some people.