Wednesday, August 29, 2012

'Water' You Drinking?

by Heather Bauer, RD, CDN for huffingtonpost.com


The summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean that your level of hydration should take a dip as well. Through the summer months it's important to keep your body hydrated for a number of reasons. Did you know that our body uses 2 to 3 quarts of water per day to keep up basic functions such as body temperature regulation and metabolic processes? As a point of reference, that's anywhere from 64 to 96 fluid ounces of liquid! Not only is water needed for homeostasis, but it is essential for joints and muscle mass. Think of it as the fluffy pillow of fluid between your bone and cartilage. Don't be discouraged, though; there are plenty of ways to incorporate water into your diet. It doesn't have to be all about plain old H2O! Keep these tips in mind as you "wet" your appetite.
1. Skip the Cubism -- It's easy to get your chill on while keeping hydrated. Toss some fresh berries, sliced peaches and pineapple wedges into the freezer. The next time you're craving a chilly refresher, use the frozen fruit instead of regular ice cubes. Not only will the fruit cool down your glass of water, but it also adds taste without tons of calories! Once you've slurped down your beverage, enjoy the fruit for a boost of filling fiber.
2. Find Some Flavor -- I often hear complaints from clients about the lack of flavor in water. No argument here -- water definitely isn't the most daring of beverage choices. Keep it interesting by addingNuun All Day flavor tablets. They have fewer than 10 calories per tab and come in some amazing flavor combinations like Tangerine Lime and Cucumber Mint. A simple plop, plop, fizz, fizz and you've got yourself some serious hydration! They also have high levels of potassium and magnesium, which are essential nutrients when it comes to your fluid electrolyte balance, cell growth and muscle contractions. Toss a few in your gym bag to avoid dehydration after an intense workout, or add a couple tablets to a pitcher of water and pour into Popsicle molds. Stick in the freezer for the perfect summertime treat.
Get the rest of these great tips from huffingtonpost.com 


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