Hydrate your way to vibrant skin and health

For New Englanders, summertime is spent enjoying the beach, soaking up sun rays, socializing at BBQs, exercising outdoors, and vacationing. Even though we are exposed to this weather for only a ¼ of the year, we need to hydrate our skin and bodies regardless. When our body’s experience heat, our built in ‘air conditioning’ system turns on: we sweat!

Due to these high sweat rates and variety of other dehydrating factors, we need to be proactive about re-hydrating our bodies to combat fluid and electrolyte loss, fatigue, poor concentration, damaged skin and hair. Below are the 4 tips to stay hydrated this summer:

1. Eat high volume produce. Drinking water isn’t the only way to re-hydrate. Fresh fruit and vegetables (like watermelon, cucumbers, celery) are loaded with water and minerals that help to replenish what has been lost through sweat or exercise. Aim for at least 5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day.

2. Start each morning with a class of lemon water (and continue throughout the day!). Water is 100% necessary for thousands of biochemical processes to take place; like maintaining internal body temperature, removing toxins and waste, proper blood circulation and supporting an effective metabolism. Drink enough water to prevent thirst (until urine is pale yellow/ clear).

3. Don’t skimp on plant-based fats. High quality omega 3s and fatty acids are critical for healthy skin, hair and nails. Add avocado, nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil to your meals and snacks.

4. Post recovery hydration. When exercising in heat or recovering from a workout, opt for 100% unsweetened coconut water instead of high sugar recovery drinks, like Powerade or Gatorade.