How to keep your fluids up now the warm weather is here

Door Erica | december 3rd, 2018

As temperatures rise, so too does the need to stay hydrated – and in a harsh Aussie summer like this one, that need is twofold. But despite the heat, it can often be difficult to ensure we’re replacing the fluids our bodies are using – particularly if we’re not actually accustomed to drinking eight glasses of water a day. However, we’ve found some sneaky ways to squeeze a little extra hydration into your day, and they’re so simple you’ll barely notice them.

Wake up with water

Drinking a glass of water as soon as you get out of bed not only freshens you up after a night’s sleep but actually helps to kick start your metabolism. So, before you grab the coffee, aim to drink at least 250ml of water – approximately one standard drinking glass – first thing in the morning. If you think you might forget, leave a glass of water on your bedside table the night before so it’s the first thing you see in the morning!

Swap your scrambled eggs for a smoothie

Everyone knows eggs are a breakfast staple – and with their versatility, healthy fats and protein, why wouldn’t they be? But if you’re looking to get hydrated for the day ahead, eggs won’t work in your favour. Instead, opt for a smoothie or juice. Play around with fresh, water-based ingredients like blueberries, spinach, watermelon and cucumber, along with oats and chia seeds to add fibre and keep you fuller for longer.

Ditch the cocktails and coffees

It won’t be fun, but it will be worth it. Alcohol and coffee (though undoubtedly the spice of life!) are diuretics, which means they increase the amount of water expelled from the body as urine. In other words, they dehydrate you quicker. In order to hold your fluids in for longer, stick to non-alcoholic drinks and decaffeinated coffee, especially in warmer weather.

Wet food is good food

No, we’re not talking about soggy sandwiches. Contrary to popular belief, drinking fluids isn’t the only way to stay hydrated – certain foods can do the trick, too. Opt for wet, watery foods like watermelon, berries, yoghurt and of course soups to keep your fluid intake up without actually drinking water.