Healthy Hydration Tips

I learned a few things from my Grandma that while simple, are actually quite healthy.

My grandma taught me to open all the blinds in the house as soon as I woke up. Opening all the blinds and getting as much light as possible in the house early in the morning helps you feel more awake and more alert. I just read an article about how getting early more light actually helps us sleep better at light. Sunlight is free and unlike an over-the-counter sleep remedy there are no negative side effects.

My grandma also taught me to drink water when I was thirsty. There was a time when I was a teen and young adult that I turned to sodas a little too much and my grandma would cluck her tongue and remind me that water was better for me.  And she was right! I have given up all sodas and now drink water instead when I am thirsty.

My Grandma might not have known the science behind what she was doing, but she knew what worked.

Hydration Tips for the Whole Family:

– Eat more fruits and vegetables. In addition to drinking plain water every day, eating foods with high moisture content—such as fruits and vegetables—could be a good way to increase total water consumption. Water constitutes 90% of most fruits and vegetables and about 50% of meats.

– Drink water instead of sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain added sugar.

– Drink water with and between your meals. Adults and children take in about 400 calories per day as beverages—drinking water can help you manage your calorie intakes.

– Remember to take water with you whenever you leave the house. Plan ahead and have ready-to-go containers filled with water available in the refrigerator. Place them in lunch boxes or backpacks for easy access when kids are away from home.

Become a fan of Nestlé® Pure Life® on Facebook and stay tuned for the launch of this year’s Hydration Movement in late July! Nestlé® Pure Life® will continue to focus on healthy hydration, while also embracing Mom’s (and Grandma’s) Wisdom – sharing and discovering all of the little things that moms have shared over the generations that make our lives better. And one thing all moms can agree on is that it’s important to keep the family healthy, hydrated and happy.

This year, Nestlé® Pure Life® is asking fans to take a simple online pledge to drink more water.  They can also enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes and share their own wisdom through the Facebook mosaic.

This article is sponsored by Nestlé® Pure Life® Purified Water. All opinions are my own. Sources: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and ChooseMyPlate.gov