This week it’s a scorcher! Legitimately blistering hot, when even shade isn’t helping much. And the humidity in Georgia isn’t doing anyone any favors. This morning it was 88F, while it felt like 97F; that just doesn’t feel safe in any way. For the last few days, we took out 2-year-old to burn some energy off, but retreated back inside in mere 10-15 minutes. It’s a rough one!

So let’s talk about hydration and why we need to stay well hydrated, no matter the temperature outside. First and foremost, we consist 2/3s of water, especially our brain, muscle, bones, and blood. Plus a lot of our bodily functions are dependent on the water intake: body temperature, digestion, metabolism, nutrient absorption, detoxification, joint & organ protection, blood pressure, muscle lubrication, skin elasticity, and overall hydration.

So the question is always: “How much water should you be drinking?”

• Half your body weight in ounces

• Example: If you weigh 160 pounds, then you should be drinking at least 80 ounces of water; that equals to 8 10-ounce glasses of water.

• Add more water if you drink coffee, tea, or soda, because all of those are diuretic and actually pull water out of your body, so it needs to be replenished.

• You can also add hydrating foods to your diet for more satiety and increased hydration.

  • Cucumber, celery, carrots, tomatoes

  • Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, pineapple, apples, citrus (oranges, lemons, grapefruit)

  • Lettuce, cabbage, spinach

  • Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, etc.

  • Coconut water - also great to replenish electrolytes lost when sweating, i.e. exercise, manual labor, childbirth, etc.

Have you ever tried adding fruit or herbs into your water for a taste? Or are you more of a purist?

What are your favorite ways to stay hydrated?