Happier When Hydrated: Water Is Essential

There is an old Slovakian Proverb that says “Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine.” So, as I shared on social media, my second goal of my “22 Goals for 2022” is to stay hydrated (Goal #1 was Gratitude).

Drink More Water

I’m pretty sure I’m one of those people who is chronically dehydrated. It should be pretty easy to fix – just “drink more water” right? But it doesn’t seem to be so simple for me. One, when I drink a lot of water, I feel like I’m constantly interrupting my day with bathroom breaks. Two, I don’t love drinking plain water (especially when it’s cold out because it literally makes me shiver and my teeth chatter). And three, I’m the kind of person who needs to be super focused on whatever I am working on. This means that even small things can break my whole train of thought. Sometimes if I’m really involved in something I won’t even stop to eat lunch. If you aren’t like that, that probably seems really odd. But, if you are like that, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

This post will focus on number two (wait, that sounds wrong lol) – some ways to stay hydrated other than plain water. For number three, I’m just going to have to get out of my own head an make a commitment to filling my cup (literally and figuratively, I guess). I bought a new water bottle and I’m writing about it to hold myself accountable. If anyone has any suggestions for number one, please let me know!

Hydrate Happy

Here are some of my favorite ways to stay hydrated without drinking plain old water or resorting to sports drinks or electrolyte solutions, which are loaded with corn syrup and/or other yucky ingredients. These are great ideas to help kids stay hydrated too. And for the record, I do drink water (and when I do I prefer Fiji) – it’s just not my favorite thing to drink.

Hydration Powder Packets

These are flavor packets that you add to water to make it taste good. Again, you want to make sure that it doesn’t have sugar or corn syrup or anything that is going to cancel out the benefits of your drink. It is also nice if they have something beneficial, like electrolytes and minerals. My favorite powder to add is Nectar Hydration Powder Packets. They are organic, non-GMO, and come in lemon, orange, and berry flavor. There is no sugar or calories and they are vegan, paleo, and ketogenic.

Infused Water

Use an infuser pitcher (or even just a regular pitcher) to add fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs to your water. Your water will have a delicious, refreshing flavor filled with vitamins and antioxidants. This is a great way to get rid of some leftovers before they rot in the fridge, and kids love to help pick the ingredients (just make sure you have final say!).

Coconut Water

This is a go-to drink in our house. Coconut water is chock full of electrolytes and high in potassium and antioxidants. It is a great healthy choice. And while it is fine right from the coconut (though that is a memorable disappointing childhood experience for me – thanks for nothing, Gilligan!), most of us don’t have the energy. These are a lot of options already packaged luckily.

Fruit & Veggie Juices

Fruit and vegetable juices are best if you juice them yourself. That way all the liquid nutrients are extracted into your beverage. (And if you can juice, here are some great recipes). But, if that’s not possible look for organic juices without added sugar, like these healthy choices. Because of the high sugar content that is naturally found in most fruit, intake should be limited. And, fruit is best on an empty stomach, so save the fruit juice for breakfast.

Sun Tea

I have such fun memories of making sun tea as a kid. Of course, then it was loaded with about a pound of sugar. Now, we use organic green tea or decaffeinated herbal blend tea bags. Just put about 8 tea bags in a glass gallon jug, fill with water and cap, and leave in the sun for the day to brew. Then sweeten with raw honey and pour over ice.