HYDRATION IS SWEET!

Summertime in Florida is in full swing. Most of our weekends are filled with barbecues and other outdoor activities. While we can limit our exposure to excessive heat, the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family is to stay hydrated.

We all know we should be drinking 8-10 glasses a day but in this heat adding other foods high in water and electrolytes can help to keep you from becoming dehydrated. Foods like watermelon, celery, cucumbers and strawberries are made mostly of water and are high in vitamins. You could also add an electrolyte supplement to your favorite beverage!

Some signs of dehydration may include:

· irritability

· fatigue of decline in activity

· extreme thirst/ dry mouth

· decreased urine output

· dry skin

· headache

· constipation

· light-headedness

If you want more ideas on how to stay hydrated this summer, click on the link below to read an article from HyperBiotics.

https://www.hyperbiotics.com/blogs/recent-articles/the-importance-of-hydration-10-tips-for-a-healthy-summer

I personally enjoy trying different fruit infused water combinations to prevent boredom from drinking plain water. I recently tried a new recipe using leftover watermelon from a family get-together. This might be my new favorite summertime drink that can easily be made into "an adult drink" by adding a little something!

image and recipe courtesy of www.flouronmyface.com

INGREDIENTS

· 3 cups fresh watermelon

· 1 cup water

· juice of half a lemon or lime

· ice

· 1 teaspoon sugar/honey (optional if watermelon isn't sweet)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Scoop the pulp from 1/4 of a medium watermelon and blend.

2. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove most of the pulp.

3. Pour 3 cups of juice back into the blender and add the water, lemon or lime juice, and sugar.

4. Blend until frothy.

5. Pour the Watermelon Aqua Fresca into a pitcher filled with ice.

6. Serve with a slice of lemon or lime and a sprig of mint.

7. Aqua Fresca is best consumed the same day.