With rising temps and more time spent outside, staying hydrated is more important than ever. Whether you’re taking your FitOn workout outdoors or simply having fun in the sunshine, it’s easy to become dehydrated (as you’re losing more water than usual). This can increase the risk of heat exhaustion, muscle cramping, and fatigue, and can even impair physical and mental health. And it can happen faster than you think — all it takes is a water loss of 1-2%!
That said, we’re ready for all the light and refreshing summer sips! Plain water is great and all, but it gets boring after a while, don’t you think? And with so many hydrating drink options available, why not spruce up your summer cup with something more enjoyable? Ahead, we’re sharing the best (and healthiest) ways to sip and stay hydrated with drinks that aren’t water!
8 Healthy Ultra-Hydrating Drinks
Coconut Water
Think of coconut water as nature’s all-natural electrolyte drink. Aside from its 94% water content, this hydrating beverage is filled with electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, key minerals that play an important role in keeping you hydrated and maintaining proper fluid balance. In fact, research shows that sipping on coconut water while exercising in the heat can prolong time to fatigue, even more so than plain water alone! That said, this is a great hydrating post-workout beverage to prevent fluid loss and dehydration!
Another benefit of coconut water? It’s delicious. No need for added sugar or additives — it’s subtly sweet all on its own (though still low in calories). To get all the benefits, you’ll want to reach for raw coconut water, not from concentrate. Some of our favorite brands include Harmless Harvest and Taste Nirvana.
While delicious on its own, here are some other ways to enjoy it:
- Make coconut water popsicles by blending coconut water with fresh or frozen fruit before freezing it into popsicle molds
- Use it as the liquid base for smoothies or smoothie bowls
- Make coconut water ice cubes by freezing it into ice cube trays — use it to subtly chill and sweeten any beverage
- Make it into a healthy mocktail, using it in place of sugary drink mixes or bases
Fruit-Infused Water
When plain old water starts to get boring, try infusing it with some antioxidant-rich fruit! This is an easy way to boost your beverage with a hint of flavor without filling your glass with added calories or sugar. You’ll get all the hydrating benefits of water while supplying your body with a boost of polyphenols, fiber, and vitamins. And with the abundance of seasonal summer fruit — hello, berry season — we’re willing to bet your beverage will be bursting with an infusion of sweet flavor.
For the perfect balance of flavor, we recommend a ratio of 1 part fruit to 3 parts water. Make a big pitcher to enjoy throughout the week, or enjoy a single-serve glass by mixing some berries in your sustainable water bottle!
You can use fresh or frozen fruit, and you can even mix in fresh summer herbs! For a hint of added sweetness, try swapping traditional ice cubes for the coconut water ice cubes mentioned above!
Here are some yummy flavor combos to try:
- Mint + Lemon + Raspberries
- Ginger + Lemon + Lime
- Cucumber + Lemon + Basil + Strawberries
- Blueberries + Blackberries + Basil
- Raspberries + Pineapple + Mint
- Watermelon + Cucumber + Mint
Fresh-Pressed Juice
Is there anything tastier than sipping on fresh-pressed juice? It’s like sipping on pure nourishment! Loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, freshly pressed juice is one of the healthiest hydrating beverages around. That said, fresh-pressed juice is void of fiber. So, in order to balance your blood sugar, you’ll want to be mindful of the ratio of fruit to veggies. While there is no perfect ratio, we recommend balancing your blend with hydrating veggies like cucumber and celery rather than drinking pure fruit juice.
For an ultra-hydrating healthy juice, here are the top water-rich veggies to add to your blend:
- Lettuce: 96% water
- Cucumber: 95% water
- Celery: 95% water
- Watermelon: 92%
- Strawberries: 91%
- Spinach: 91% water
- Peaches: 89% water
- Oranges: 88% water
Need some inspiration? Try these 10 yummy juice recipes!
Aloe Water
You may know aloe as a folk remedy for sunburns, but it can also be used internally as a hydrating beverage! It’s low in sugar and calories, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and one of the best ways to boost your hydration. But, be mindful — this plant is highly effective at treating constipation. Adding too much aloe vera gel can backfire, leading you to become even more dehydrated if you’re losing water from the other end!
Start with a small portion — a slice or two of fresh inner aloe gel. Then, simply blend it up with water. It has a neutral taste, so feel free to boost the flavor with any add-ins like lemon, cucumber, or even a splash of coconut water. Sip and enjoy!
Want to give it a try? Here are 5 delicious aloe water recipes.
Bone Broth
While you may think of bone broth as a warming beverage, did you know bone broth tastes totally yummy when chilled? It’s naturally rich in water (around 92%) and is chock-full of nourishing nutrients like amino acids, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Low in calories and full of anti-inflammatory properties and naturally occurring electrolytes, this protein-rich drink is a summer must-have.
Enjoy it cold on a hot summer day, or sip it warm on a chilly summer evening!
DIY Electrolyte Drinks
If you’re sweating more than usual (whether in the sun or after a sweaty workout), you’ll want to replenish your electrolytes stores to maintain proper fluid balance. But don’t turn to sugary sports drinks filled with artificial ingredients! With a little know-how, it’s easy to make your own. All you need are a few mineral-rich ingredients — such as coconut water and a dash of salt — and you’ve got a healthy and hydrating blend!
Ready to balance your hydration stores? Here’s a simple and tasty DIY electrolyte drink to make at home:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cups coconut water
- 2 tbsp honey
- ⅛ tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
- 1 serving of magnesium powder, optional
- Ice, to serve
Directions:
Step #1: Add all ingredients, minus the ice to a blender, and blend for about 10-20 seconds.
Step #2: Pour into a glass over ice and enjoy!
Herbal Iced Tea
When the heat is at its peak, cool off with a refreshing herbal iced tea. Herbal teas like rose, hibiscus, and chamomile are some of the best blends for restoring hydration. And as an added bonus, these blends help nourish your skin to give you that enviable summer glow! No need to worry about caffeine-induced sleep disturbances, either — unlike green and black tea, these herbal teas are caffeine-free. So, feel free to enjoy them any time of the day as you sip your way to hydration!
RELATED: 30-Day Glowing Skin Challenge
Chia Water
Did you know chia seeds can absorb up to 12 times their weight in water?! Naturally, this makes them one of the best nutrient-dense additions to any beverage if you’re looking to boost your hydration. They’re also loaded with fiber and plant-based protein and rich in nutrients like magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins.
To make chia seed water, simply soak 1 tbsp of chia seeds in 12 oz of water. Add any additional ingredients, such as lemon juice, fruit, or mint. Then, let it absorb for 15-30 minutes before sipping away!
RELATED: How to Make Chia Pudding + 6 Delicious Flavor Variations
Sip The Summer Away!
From coconut and aloe water to DIY electrolyte and chia seed water, sipping your way to good health is easier than you think. Now that you have so many delicious options to choose from, avoid dehydration and keep your cool all season. With these healthy and hydrating drinks, you’ll maintain peak energy while sporting a healthy glow from the inside out. Happy hydrating!
