Get Your Drink On

Despite the brief and oh-so-nice cooler weather last week, summer has definitely proven itself to be here with the high temps we are now experiencing! Although summer is a wonderful time of year it also happens to be the time when we are most likely to be dehydrated. I just heard a statistic on the news this morning..."60% of kids show up at school or camp already dehydrated" eeek! Most of us walk around completely dehydrated which leads to all sorts of unwanted issues; high cholesterol, low energy, poor skin, inability to lose weight, increased hunger just to name a few.

While pure, fresh water is always best I have so many clients who prefer a little flavor so here are some healthy options to spruce up your liquids!

~Add lemon, mint, orange slices, strawberries, or cucumber to your water pitcher. Keep the pitcher out on your counter all day. Room temp water is better for you but seeing the pretty pitcher will also remind you to drink up!

~Brew (or buy) a large pitcher of herbal iced tea. I use the Mr. Coffee brand iced tea maker and put a combo of decaf lipton tea and herbal tea to add flavor. My favorite is peach! I also regularly get a venti unsweetened passion iced tea from Starbucks when I'm out and about. Make sure to leave sugar out of your tea, if needed add some xylitol or stevia.

~Nature's Splash is a healthy alternative if you're a Crystal Light lover. Remember, artificial sweeteners are BAD, SO BAD for you so avoid them!

~Zevia is a natural, zero calorie soda. They have a variety of flavors and are delicious and refreshing when you need a little something more.

~If you're out drinking with friends go for a this yummy drink I learned when vacationing with Angelina Jolie's body double (of course I asked her a million questions about her secrets to staying in amazing shape!)
                        Vodka (choose a good one)
                        club soda
                        a drop of cranberry juice (the drink should be the palest shade of pink)
                        squeeze in a bunch of lime
The drink is so refreshing and light and you are avoiding so much of the sugar the calorie bomb drinks have! Chilled white wine or a good glass of red is also great!

~Freeze some fresh raspberries in ice cubes and drop them into your water with a few mint leaves.

Remember if you are feeling thirsty you are already dehydrated and our bodies can often mistake thirst for hunger so drink up!