As we’re rolling into the Dog Days of summer, we need to remember to keep hydrated. Not everyone needs the same amount of fluid each day. Fluid requirements are based on your individual weight. There are many ways to calculate how much fluid you require, but the fastest and easiest method is to take your weight (in pounds) and multiply it by .5. This will tell you how many fluid ounces you need daily. Then divide that number by 8 to determine how many cups you need. (round to the nearest full cup)
The best thing to hydrate with is plain old water. If you don’t like plain water try adding a few lemon slices, lime slices, orange slices, sliced cucumber or even mint to your water to make your own infused beverage. Fruits and vegetables are mostly water so they can contribute to your daily fluid intake. Excellent choices for hydrators are: watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, grapefruit, cantaloupe, celery, iceberg lettuce, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, green peppers or spinach.
Note: Caffeinated coffee/tea, alcohol, salty foods and sugary drinks can contribute to dehydration, and do not add to your fluid intake for the day.
