Beat the Heat
Posted on June 3, 2019 at 3:13 pm | General Wellness | simplynutrition
It’s no secret that the Carolinas are home to some hot summers, here are some tips to help you stay cool as a cucumber all summer long!
- Stay Hydrated!
This first tip may seem obvious, but ensuring that our bodies are properly hydrated is extremely important especially on a long, hot summer day but how much water do we actually need? Adults typically need eight to ten 8 ounce glasses of water a day and may need even more water after physical activities or sweating in the heat; be sure the replenish the body after these types of activities. Carrying or water bottle or travel cup is a great way to stay hydrated over the course of the day. If you get bored with plain water, try flavoring your water with fresh produce or try carbonated water instead!
2. Ditch dehydrating drinks!
While a fruity cocktail or ice-cold beer may seem like the perfect drink to quench your thirst on a hot day, be wary of beverages that have a tendency to draw water out of the body rather than maintaining hydration status. Beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, mixed drinks, and soda can have more of a dehydrating effect on the body than hydrating, make sure to drink water alongside these beverages or stick to ones that lack caffeine and alcohol!
3. Pick Produce!
Did you know that 19% of our daily fluid intake comes from solid food? It is easy to think that all the water we take in comes from water and other beverages, but much of our water also comes from food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are especially packed with water, here are a few of the most hydrating ones.
4. Soak up some rays!
While the sun may not seem like our friend with its scorching rays during the summertime, the sun is actually our best source of vitamin D. It is recommended for adults to get 600 IUs of vitamin D every day, just 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a day can help you stay on target for this nutrient; just don’t forget the sunscreen afterwards!
5. Listen to your body!
Paying attention to your body’s cues is a great way to practice a mindful approach to living a healthy, happy life. Stay in tune with your body and notice signs of thirst and tiring so that you know when to replenish your body and decide when taking a break from the sun may be a bright idea!
