Three Totally Awesome Hydration Hacks For Summer

Summer Hydration Hacks for the Drink From a Garden Hose Generation aka GenX

Have you ever found yourself not staying hydrated because you are just plain tired of just plain water? I get it, you’re not like me that can chug down just good ole H20 like it’s no one’s business. You are of the majority of GenX women, so you are not alone my friend!

But here’s the thing, it’s warm (unless you live in Fairbanks and we are having one of the coldest starts to summer on record) and it’s important to stay hydrated so you can not only feel your best, you can LOOK your best too!!! 

So, while chugging plain old H2O is always a good idea, sometimes you need a little something extra, a few unexpected allies in your quest for cool, calm, and collected. Get ready to ditch the dull and discover three game-changing ways to hydrate beyond just water. Ready let’s dive in: 

Three Hydration Hacks To Stay Cool As a Cucumber or as a Cool as Big Hair Band Was in the 80’s…and none include drinking from a garden hose!

Number 1: Infused Waters

Infused water is a totally awesome way to beat the mundane of plain water to stay hydrated.

These tasty beverages are your secret weapon against the summer sizzle and hydration boredom! They're so simple…water that's been naturally flavored with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even spices, transforming plain old H2O into a delicious beverage. 

Beyond just tasting great, infused waters can gently encourage you to drink more throughout the day, which is crucial for overall health. They offer a subtle boost of vitamins and antioxidants from the added ingredients, all without the excess sugar or artificial junk found in many store-bought flavored drinks, making them a perfectly guilt-free way to stay hydrated and feel refreshed.

Making your own infused water couldn't be simpler! All you need is a pitcher or a reusable water bottle, cold filtered water, and your chosen mix-ins. 

Step 1: Wash and thinly slice your desired fruits, vegetables, or herbs – think refreshing cucumber and mint, tangy lemon and ginger, or sweet berries with basil. 

Step 2: Add them to your water, and then let the flavors meld in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or even overnight for a more intense taste. Some ingredients, like citrus and mint, release their essence quickly, while others, such as apples or rosemary, benefit from a longer soak. 

Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect hydration elixir, and keep those infused water creations flowing to help you glide through summer with a little more cool and a lot more awesome! 

Click here for all kinds of infused water ideas from The Flexible Chef

Number 2: Electrolytes

Beyond simply drinking water, electrolytes are the unsung heroes in the battle against dehydration. These essential minerals—like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—carry electrical charges that help regulate countless bodily functions, from nerve signals and muscle contractions to maintaining proper fluid balance and even supporting bone health. 

During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts can impact how efficiently your body retains fluid and utilizes these minerals, making you more susceptible to imbalances that can make you more tired, cause muscle cramps, and even create brain fog. I mean, if menopause hasn’t already made you forget why you walked into the kitchen (or is that just me?), you certainly don’t want to add to it by having low electrolytes! 

Replenishing electrolytes isn't just for marathon runners; it's a crucial step in supporting your body's overall equilibrium and ensuring you stay feeling your best, even when the heat is on.

While there are many electrolyte products on the market, it's essential to be a savvy GenX consumer and read those labels carefully. Many conventional sports drinks and electrolyte powders are loaded with excessive sugar, artificial colors, flavors, and questionable sweeteners that can counteract your health goals. The Gatorade of today has ingredient list that looks like an experiment from a chemistry class you failed in high school unlike the healthier Gatorade of your high school years. 

Instead, look for options that have natural ingredients and transparent sourcing. For me, my favorite is Quench from Tranont. Packed with hydrating coconut powder, energizing B vitamins, and powerful antioxidants, third party tested and sweetened with Stevia extract. This clean choices help you reap the benefits of electrolyte replenishment without the unhealthy additives, ensuring you're truly nurturing your body from the inside out. 

Get your Quench by clicking here

Number 3: Hydrating Snacks 

Watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated in the summer! I mean is it even summer if you don’t have watermelon at least once a week???

While chugging plain water is always the foundation of good hydration, don't underestimate the power of delicious, water-rich snacks to keep you feeling as cool on the inside as you are on the outside. Think of fruits and vegetables as nature's original electrolyte drinks, packed with not only water but also vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

I mean summer isn’t summer without the WATERmelon is it? I have it at least once a week in the summer. Also, cucumber slices, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, and even leafy greens like spinach or romaine are all excellent choices, offering a refreshing burst of hydration with every bite. 

These whole foods as snacks are incredibly versatile – enjoy them raw, blend them into smoothies, or even freeze them for an extra chilly treat.

However, just as important as knowing what to eat is knowing what to avoid when you're trying to stay hydrated in the summer. Steer clear of snacks high in added sugar, excessive sodium, or artificial ingredients, as these can actually work against your hydration efforts. 

Things like sugary pastries, salty chips, and processed snack foods can draw water OUT of your cells and leave you feeling even more dehydrated and sluggish. And sorry but (and this hurts my heart)…while cold ice cream might seem refreshing in the moment, its high sugar and fat content can be harder for your body to process in the heat, leading to digestive discomfort. 

Choose whole, unprocessed foods that naturally contribute to your fluid intake, ensuring your body gets the gentle, effective hydration it truly needs.

Not to be a buzz kill (literally) buuuuut…..

When the summer sun is ablazing, that seemingly refreshing alcoholic beverage can actually be your hydration enemy. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body produce more urine, causing you to lose fluids and electrolytes faster than you're taking them in. 

This dehydrating effect can not only leave you feeling parched, tired, and headachy (hello, next-day regret!), but it can also intensify those very symptoms you’re trying to manage, like hot flashes and night sweats, by messing with your body's temperature regulation. And if you’re like me and can’t metabolize alcohol like I used to, it’s a triple whammy! 

Opt for lighter mocktail alternatives, especially those infused with natural flavors, it will leave you feeling truly refreshed and help your body navigate summer's heat without the next day feeling of being run over by a freight train. 

So there you have it. Three totally awesome ways to keep yourself hydrated in the summer heat. Do you have an awesome summer mocktail recipe? If so, send it via email to mary@shestotallyawesome.com and I’ll share it on the socials. 

See you soon…and remember that you are totally awesome my friend!