Here are three tips for staying hydrated this summer, and there are more available at cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/index.html.
Upgrade your water bottle.
Buying a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day can help ensure you drink enough water. Freezing pre-filled plastic water bottles can be a great way to make sure you have access to cold water throughout the day, especially if you plan to spend an extended amount of time outside. Consider buying a flavor-infusing water bottle to add fruit flavors to your water if you dislike the taste of plain water.
Cut back on other drinks.
Substitute water for sugary drinks like sodas or teas when you feel thirsty and consume alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks in moderation. Sports drinks can be a good way to restore electrolytes after prolonged periods of sweating and heavy physical activity, but avoid consuming them outside of regenerating electrolytes. Remember that choosing to drink water as often as possible will help keep you hydrated.
Make water part of your meals.
Water is usually a drink option at restaurants, so choose to order water when given the opportunity. If you plan to host dinners or parties this summer, serve water and water-based drinks with your meals. Serve recipes with fruits and vegetables that contain water, like cucumbers and tomatoes. Whether you plan to eat indoors or outside, consider keeping a pitcher of ice water on the table during meals so guests can refill their glasses as they need to.
Regularly consuming water during the summer will help you stay hydrated and healthy. Find more resources about water and hydration at nutrition.gov/topics/basic-nutrition/water-hydration-and-health and heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy.
About QualChoice Health Insurance
Since 1994, QualChoice has provided the best value in health benefits for Arkansas businesses. They’re committed to transforming the health of their community one person at a time and strive to make health insurance simple with an approach based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally.
QualChoice health plans and services are offered through QCA Health Plan, Inc. (QCA), a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and QualChoice Life and Health Insurance Company, Inc. (QCLHIC), both licensed with the State of Arkansas. All QualChoice entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC).
More information can be found at qualchoice.com.