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- OUR FIRST DROP: Hydration 101 💧
OUR FIRST DROP: Hydration 101 💧
In partnership with
THE SUMMER OF HYDRATION
ASK US ANYTHING: ELECTROLYTES
Staying hydrated is super important, and lately, electrolyte drinks are really popular. A question we often hear is: Should I be concerned about their sodium content?
Contrary to the low-sodium diet that most of us have been told to follow, the context in which we consume sodium matters. Here’s the deal and when to consider spicing up your H20:
Sodium is an essential mineral that gets a bad rap due to its correlation with heart disease. That’s because many people overconsume sodium from high amounts of ultra-processed foods (think: chips, fast food, frozen entrees).
Electrolyte drinks are formulated with a balance of minerals, not just sodium. Most supplements also include potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Together, this killer combination supports fluid balance, boosts muscle health, and keeps your energy levels up.
Whether out in the summer heat or getting in a workout, excessive sweating can lead to significant electrolyte loss. Supplementing helps your body absorb and retain fluid, making hydration more effective than just chugging plain water alone.
Quick read: Most of us can get the electrolytes we need through a well-balanced diet (i.e. fruits + veggies) and 8-10 glasses of water per day. However, you may want to consider adding ‘lytes depending on your health history, exercise routine, and climate conditions. Unless you have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risks, the extra sodium is unlikely to be harmful.
Final tip: Dehydration is one of the most common triggers for headaches, brain fog, and muscle cramps. Before popping Tylenol, try an electrolyte drink.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Photo courtesy of LMNT
Choosing an electrolyte supplement can be overwhelming with a variety of big players on the shelves. Stick to a simple ingredients list, with minimal added or artificial sweeteners, and be aware of extra caffeine, which is often added to many pre-mixed drinks.
We’re big fans of LMNT, a salty and delicious supplement, great for athletes and low-carb eaters. We’re loving the launch of their new sparkling electrolyte water this summer. A great non-alcoholic drink, with a bubbly kick.
Other products we love and recommend:
Ultima: a lower-sodium option, making it a great choice if you’re new to electrolytes and in need of a daily boost, or want a pick-me-up on rest days.
Needed: a brand made for moms; perfect for before, during, and after pregnancy. 💡 Pro-tip for fellow mamas: increased fluid loss from breastfeeding may require higher electrolyte intake to stay hydrated.
SERVE IT UP
In the spirit of summertime, and always needing a good side dish for group gatherings, we’ve been loving KALEJUNKIE’s refreshing watermelon cucumber salad. The juicy watermelon and cucumber with salty feta create a hydrating combo that will make you the star of your next dinner.
Get the recipe here.
Step Into Summer With Plant-Based Meals From Purple Carrot
Welcome the warm weather and lighten your to-do list with scrumptious, fully plant-based meals delivered straight to your door.
Purple Carrot wants you to spend more time soaking up the sun and less time stressing over mealtime. They offer a variety of meal kits that help you prepare delicious recipes, prepared meals that are ready to eat in two minutes or less, and grocery items that save you a trip to the store and help you keep your fridge fully stocked.
Whichever option you choose, you can trust that you’re getting nutritious, plant-based meals that are packed with flavor. Pick from high-protein, lower-calorie, high-fiber, and gluten-free options every week - if you want to build muscle, shed a few pounds, or just eat a little cleaner, Purple Carrot has meals and groceries that suit your needs.
This summer, they’re sweetening the deal with five new fun and tasty meal options.
THE SNACK SECTION
Snackable tips, tricks, and fun facts for a healthier lifestyle.
Did you know that Kiwis have more vitamin C than oranges?
That’s right. A small orange has around 60 mg of vitamin C, while a Kiwi has anywhere from 80-160 mg; nearly all 75-90 mg of the daily recommendation.
Need more reasons to love Kiwi? Our fav fuzzy fruit has fiber and a ton of water to keep you full and HYDRATED! Plus, it’s more shelf-stable than berry fruits, so feel free to load up on your next grocery run and always have a tasty treat on hand.
Ways to enjoy Kiwi:
Green Smoothie: Toss Kiwi into your morning protein shake. 💡Pro-tip: throw in the entire fruit in, skin too!
Chia Pudding: Add Kiwi to your chia pudding, or on top of plain Greek yogurt.
As is: 🥄 So good you can eat it with a spoon. Pair with a handful of nuts for a smart snack.