How to Hydrate in the Summer!

August 3, 2022

Written by UConn Extension Summer Intern Jenna Zydanowicz

On those hot summer days, we are always looking for something to quench our thirst. Sometimes we want to reach for a cold can of soda, Gatorade, or even an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. However, the best way to stay hydrated and keep your body functioning correctly is by drinking lots of water. According to the CDC, “frequently drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain, obesity, heart disease, tooth decay and cavities.” The amount of water you need is different for everyone. It depends on your age, body, health conditions, and other factors. By limiting your sugary drink intake can help you maintain a healthy weight, and have healthy dietary patterns.

What a sugary drink is equivalent to:            pitcher of water with lemon slices in it                                                   

  • 20 oz Gatorade (34 g of sugar) is equivalent to about

one serving of Ben and Jerry’s Ice cream (31g of sugar)

  • 1 bottle of Vitamin water (32g of sugar) is equivalent to about

2 Hershey chocolate bars (34g of sugar)

  • Medium Dunkin iced coffee with cream (39g of sugar)

is equivalent to about 2 Snicker bars (40g of sugar)

These sports drinks have a lot of added sugar that can be equivalent to having a serving of ice cream or even two servings of candy bars!

Tips to staying Hydrated:

  1. Drink plenty of water!
  2. You can add lemon, limes, berries, or melon to infuse your water with some flavor!
  3. You can add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or Rosmery to your water!
  4. Avoid drinks that have a lot of added sugar in them.
  5. If you want to have juice make sure it is 100% fruit juice.
  6. If you are exercising, make sure you drink plenty of water before and after to replenish what you have sweat out.

 

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 11). Get the facts: Sugar-sweetened beverages and consumption.

Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/sugar-sweetened-beverages-intake.html

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 7). Get the facts: Data and research on water consumption.

Retrieved June 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html

 

This material is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.