Hydration Hacks – Day to Day Eats

As warmer weather rolls around, you may find yourself sweating more which means you need to drink more fluids to stay hydrated. It is particularly important to drink enough water in the warmer temperatures because our body loses more fluids through sweat. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has found that nearly half of U.S. adults do not drink enough water every day, so what could we do to remember drinking water? In this post, we will share hydration hacks for the summer! For additional hydration hacks and information, check out our previous post.

Freeze It!

Wonder how to make your chilled water stay cold? Use this hack for a long-lasting cold drink! Fill water in a BPA-free bottle and place it in the freezer and let the water freeze overnight. Remember not to fill the bottle completely, because water expands in volume when it freezes, and the bottle cap could be damaged. When you leave the house the next morning, bring the bottle with you, and the ice will melt throughout the day. This way, you’ll have water that will stay ice-cold for a long time! Just remember, the ice will melt slowly, and you may not have water for a short period of time.

Melon Season!

Melons are in-season during the summer. They are crisp and refreshing, and most importantly, they are more than 90% water.

After you have cut into a melon, wrap the rest in plastic and place it in the fridge, where it could last about 3 days. Add to your daily water intake by enjoying a delicious slice of melon as a snack or part of your meal.

Healthier Drinks!

Sugary drinks, like juice and soda, can make you dehydrated by drawing out the water in your cells. However, this does not mean that you must give up on the refreshing bubbles or the fruity tang. Instead, try seltzer or tonic water as your summer go-to fizzy drink. Because there is no sugar, this drink would not dehydrate you. You can add fruitiness with a lemon wedge, splash of 100% fruit juice, crushed-up berries, or watermelon.

How do you stay hydrated in the heat? Let us know in the comments below!

Qingyu Shao

Cornell University Student