3 Hydrating Alternatives to Plain Water
We all know hydration is important, but sometimes you just get tired of plain water. You want it to taste better, but you also don’t want to resort to using the ultra-processed, sugary powders. That’s why we’re sharing three ultra-hydrating, natural alternatives to plain water!
Lemon Chia Water
Lemon Chia Water
Ok, ok! This one is still mostly water, but it has a citrus boost to go with it. I got this recipe from nurse practitioner Kate Eskuri at The Reset a few years ago, and it’s one of my go-to recipes when I need to rehydrate.
Ingredients:
16 oz. water
½—1 tsp. chia seeds
¼ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
a pinch of unrefined mineral salt (sea salt will also do)
lemon slices for garnish!
Stir all your ingredients together in a cup and let sit for about 10 minutes before sipping. Allowing the chia seeds to soak up the water makes them easier to digest.
You might be wondering why you’d want chia seeds in your water. According to Eskuri, “These small-but-mighty seeds absorb water quickly and hold up to 10 times their weight in liquid, creating a gel-like texture and fiber that allows you to absorb the water steadily and maximize your hydration.”
Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber and one of the few plant complete proteins!
Nature’s Cherry “Gatorade”
Nature’s Cherry “Gatorade”
Every few weeks, my Pinterest algorithm overloads my feed with variations on “nature’s gatorade” recipes. I’m not complaining, though! These tasty drinks are perfect for the summer months and add a flavor boost to my afternoon. Here’s my favorite one:
Ingredients:
12—16 oz. coconut water
¼—½ cup tart cherry juice
juice of half a lime
a pinch of unrefined mineral salt
lime slices for garnish!
optional: about 1 tsp. organic maple syrup
Stir together in your favorite glass and enjoy!
Maybe you’ve never had coconut water, but it offers a ton of benefits. Eskuri wrote in another article that “coconut water is loaded with naturally occurring potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are crucial minerals that support hydration, energy, and hormone function!”
Not a fan of coconut water? Swap it out for plain water, your fav sparkling water, or even an unsweetened tea like hibiscus or green.
You can also swap the tart cherry juice for something else, like fresh orange juice. I prefer tart cherry juice because it’s unsweetened and it can improve sleep quality thanks to the magnesium in it!
Watermelon Cooler
(with a slushy option!)
Watermelon Cooler (with a Slushy Option!)
Like the chia water, the fiber in watermelon can help you stay hydrated and improve digestion. A real double whammy!
Ingredients:
2 cups watermelon, chopped
8—12 oz. coconut water
juice of 1—2 limes
a pinch of unrefined mineral salt
lime slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish!
optional: 1 tsp. organic maple syrup
Combine the watermelon, coconut water, lime juice, salt, and maple syrup in a blender and blend. Pour over ice, top with lime slices and fresh mint, and enjoy!
For those extra hot days: Freeze your chopped watermelon before blending, and ta-da! You now have a watermelon slushy!
Now that we’ve got that covered, I’m going to run down to the kitchen and make myself a watermelon slushy. See you next time!