Water and Beverages
Start your morning with a glass of water – drink it slowly
Water is vital for your health. And, as easy as drinking water might seem, it’s not. I have to be so diligent to make sure I’m drinking enough water daily.
Drinking water keeps us alert, energized, and provides us the electrolytes to keep our mojo at bay. But, there are a few very important things to consider when drinking water – whether you’re getting enough, and if you need to add electrolytes (minerals) to your water. Below, I’ll share some ideas for increasing your electrolytes to pump you up.
Electrolytes protect you from dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, while boosting your physical well-being and mental health. Exercises such as cardio, weight training, and walking increase circulation, improve electrolyte levels, and get more nutrition into your cells.
When you’re not drinking enough throughout the day, you can experience headaches, lack of energy, weight gain, lack of detoxification, and joint pain. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks when you’re dehydrated, as these deplete your electrolytes.
Electrolytes - How To Stay Hydrated
Sea Salt and Celtic Salt sprinkled on food or in water – ½ tsp of salt in a glass of water – this will add potassium and sodium = electrolytes (minerals) to your water
Ultima Replenisher is an electrolyte mix and comes in different flavors www.ultimareplenisher.com
Food with the most sodium, magnesium, and calcium: celery, cucumber, bell pepper, citrus fruit, watermelon, pineapple, radish, cauliflower, spinach, avocado, grapes
Foods high in electrolytes
I start my day with a hot cup of water with grated ginger root. You can also squeeze in fresh lemon, which makes for a great blood cleanser. I then follow with a large glass of water – all on an empty stomach.
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but there are more options than drinking plain water. Here’s a list of five drinks that are loaded with benefits that you can’t get from water alone. These give you pure hydration, added nutrition, and loads of taste.
1 - Herbal Teas – hibiscus, ginger, peppermint, chamomile, green, matcha
2 - Fruit Smoothies – minerals, vitamins, antioxidants (but please don’t go overboard – 1 cup of fruits in a smoothie is enough)
3 - Hydrogen Water – if low energy and sweating a lot
4 - Green Juices – celery, cucumber, parsley, ginger, spinach
5 - Electrolyte Mineral Water – low energy, low body weight, sweating a lot – ½ tsp sea salt, lemon, or lime with water or an electrolyte powder
Sources:
Erin Casperson – Kripalu School of Ayurveda
Dr. Josh Axe – Ancient Nutrition
Dr. Stephen Cabral – Integrative Health Institute
National Institute of Health – National Library of Medicine
I fill up mason jars in the morning, making sure to drink evenly during the day
Genia’s Spoon Me Tips
I have a timer set so that every hour on the hour my phone jingles as a reminder that it’s time to drink. It’s really easy to forget to drink as time flies by.
I use a thermos bottle, especially in the heat, to keep my water from getting too hot – great if I’m in a parked car or drinking on the go.
The suggested quota is eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily – ½ your body weight in ounces. If you’re exercising, or if it’s a hot and sweaty day, you’ll need even more water and/or hydrating foods.
As a health coach, I’m very mindful of myself and of others to encourage drinking water with electrolytes, as I know it brings nutrients to every cell, tissue, and organ.
Peace, Love, and Water,
Genia