Get Hydrated

Are you fed up with drinking water?

Of course you want to stay well hydrated. You know that drinking enough water is important for your weight loss. It helps your natural detox systems, and helps you feel fuller.  It also helps to make sure that you don’t go looking for something to eat when you are actually just thirsty.

If water on its own is starting to become a little monotonous, there are other ways for you to top up your fluids, ensuring that you stay well hydrated.

Ice blocks

Not the store bought variety, but instead the home-made kind! You can freeze water with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, or a touch of diet cordial. You could use one of your fruit serves for the day and blend up some of your favourite fruits with a little water added and enjoy it frozen!

In fact, if you want to really simplify things, sucking on ice chips can help get your fluids in but is just that little bit different. A nice trick for cooling down on a hot day.

Herbal teas

Many of your herbal teas are caffeine free, meaning that they do not have the dehydrating effect that regular black tea or coffee have. Plus – assuming that you do not add sugar or milk to your herbal tea – they are generally very low in calories so will fit in well with your balanced meal plan.

Don’t want to be drinking hot drinks? No problem! Simply brew up a large pot of herbal tea, let it cool and then chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. You enjoy the same fruity flavours but without the warming effect of a hot beverage.

Dairy

The guidelines for dairy (or dairy free alternatives) is 2-3 serves a day for adults. This means you can enjoy 2-3 cups of low fat milk, soy milk, rice milk, almond milk, or coconut milk in a day.

Milk is quite good for topping up hydration levels, so if you are feeling a little thirsty perhaps consider swapping that slice of cheese for a 250ml glass of milk instead.

Infused water

A little touch of flavour in your drink bottle might be all you need to encourage you to drink a little more. Infusing your water overnight with some lovely fresh ingredients will give you a touch of flavour to enjoy the next day.

Sliced cucumber and fresh crushed mint. Grapefruit slices with raspberries. Strawberry slices and basil leaves. Get creative and try out some different combinations to find those that you like!

Soda water

Having the occasional plain carbonated water can offer a little variety to your fluids. Whereas regular soft drinks are packed full of sugar and calories, soda water is sugar free. Just check that you are choosing a type with no added ingredients like sugar, citric acid, or sodium.

What are the ways that you keep your fluid levels topped up? We would love to hear your thoughts!