It’s hot outside, and even when you’ve spent all day in an air-conditioned environment, it’s important to keep your body hydrated. Our bodies need water to keep them working well.
Here are some healthy options to quench your thirst:
-
Drink plenty of natural water. This is the best way to get hydrated. Water has important minerals that our bodies need. Stay away from flavored water or sweetened water and get used to drinking it plain.
-
Drink milk. Kids like it, and it’s good for you. Choose from the lower-fat options on the store shelf.
-
Drink juice on occasion. Look for the 100 percent juice label when making your choice. Many juices are actually “fruit drinks” and contain more sugar. Check the ingredients for high-fructose corn syrup to tell you that it’s not really all-natural juice.
-
Limit caffeinated drinks. Caffeine makes you want to go to the bathroom more and so removes water from your body. It is a natural diuretic. Also, these drinks do nothing to help your body stay healthy.
-
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Produce contains lots of water, not to mention other good stuff like minerals, vitamins and fiber. The frozen variety is second best if you can’t get fresh. For frozen fruit, choose the no-sugar-added variety. When choosing canned fruit, look for the label “in its own juice” or “light syrup.”
Here’s to taking care of yourself.
---------------------------------
Kirsten Granberry is a Wilshire member who is a nutritionist and holds a bachelor of science degree in nutrition.
(214) 452-3100