Three Tip Tuesday- Hydration

I just couldn’t help myself yesterday morning. I couldn’t resist the urge to go for an early run after I finished breakfast. I know I said that I wanted to get to Lifetime but I just could not ignore the itch to run.

There are too many days, weeks and heck even full months  in the winter where early morning running is just too brutal to bear. I need to soak up every second of my summer morning runs while I can.

I don’t even mind the serious sweating that has been taking place from the heat and humidity. Did I just say that?

My only real issue with these summer runs is my thirst.

There are days lately that no matter how much water I guzzle, I am still extremely thirsty.

See this cantaloupe? I bought it by the beach on Sunday in my desperate attempt to stop being so thirsty. I don’t know about you, but I find that eating certain fruits is the only way for me to feel relief.

I pondered this little topic yesterday as I worked from Panera filling up on the unlimited refills of Hazelnut coffee.

I do not think the unlimited coffee is assisting me in my quest to quench my thirst. Not even with the side of water.

Three Tips for Thirst Quenching Hydration:

1. EAT FRUIT!- It is no secret that I love watermelon.

I always wondered why eating watermelon and cantaloupe seemed to quench my thirst over water.

After doing some research, I learned that certain high-water content fruits and vegetables hydrate the body twice as effectively as a glass of water due to the balance of hydrating salts, minerals, sugars, vitamins and amino acids that are often lost through exercise.

Since watermelon tops the fruit list for high water content, I went to stock up yesterday.

I picked up a sugar baby watermelon yesterday just because I liked the name.

I could do without the little seeds though.

2 – EAT VEGETABLES! – In addition to high water content fruits, certain vegetables are also provide fabulous hydration for our bodies.

The article, 19 Foods That Will Quench Your Thirst., gives a full list of hydrating fruits and veggies – be sure to click the link!

I always knew that cucumbers were hydrating so I used to eat slice upon slice until I felt relief. Lately though I am completely sick of cucumbers so I went with zucchini which is also top on the list of hydrating vegetables.

I roasted some zucchini in the oven while cutting up that sugar baby watermelon.

I made this roasted zucchini, plum tomato, lettuce, avocado and hummus sandwich on cinnamon raisin Ezekiel Bread with a large side of watermelon for lunch.

It fell apart but was still delicious.

3- DRINK! – OK, so I know I said that no matter how much water I drink, I still don’t feel satisfied. But that doesn’t mean you stop drinking water.

By the time you are thirsty, it is too late. It means you are already down the path to dehydration. You must guzzle your water, finish your cup or bottle and refill.

Even the recommended 8 glasses a day is not nearly enough, especially during the hot summer months.

Find water boring? No problem. Add some lemon. Or lime. Or both.

Remember this is my favorite little combo to order when I am out.

Please note that I have not included Gatorade, PowerAde or other sport drinks in my list.

I do not believe in them or their artificial ingredients.

Do you really think that Blue 1 or Red 40 is going to quench your thirst? Well, it’s not. But it can certainly provide you with a whole other set of health problems.

If you love your sports drink and don’t want to give it up, how about making your own?

Click here for the link to a sports drink recipe you can make at home that doesn’t involve artificial colors and ingredients.

Even if you don’t run in the heat (or run at all for that matter), we all need water. You will be amazed within 24-48 hours just how different even your skin will look and feel from the added cups of water. Sometimes we are dehydrated and don’t even realize it.

I am heading out now for my morning run. I just can’t resist the bright sunshine.

Have a great day!

***********************************************************************************************************

What is your hydrating beverage of choice?

What is your favorite summer fruit?

What food are you currently tired of eating?