Watering Down a Summer Pregnancy to Stay Hydrated

If you're pregnant, you have heard a million times how important water is to your baby's health and development. The summer months are especially dangerous because the heat makes you sweat out water and electrolytes. No matter the scientific or health reasons behind increasing your intake of water, it may seem like a flavorless, daunting task. To my surprise, and possibly yours, I have found 8 flavorful ways to increase water intake. Hopefully, I can change your mind about staying hydrated during your summer pregnancy and you will begin to look forward to it!

Flavored Water

Flavored water is more pleasing to the palate than plain water. Fortunately, there are flavored waters specially designed for pregnant women. Some of these are the sweet kiwi-flavored Glow Mama and fruit-flavored Saphia. You may also appreciate the water content of soft drinks like Kool-Aid, but your physician or dentist won't. There are sugar-free ways to flavor your water that won't wreck your health or your teeth. For example, add a packet of Crystal Light to your bottled water and see if you miss the sugar. (You won't!)

Melons

Melons are a great source of water. In fact, a honeydew melon is 90% water! Eat watermelon, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe fruit cups available at your local deli. Dip the melon slices in a cup of non-fat yogurt for added pleasure. Don't be afraid to look around and discover new ways to enjoy melons. I found a recipe for a Melon-Cucumber Smoothie at KidsHealth.org and I cannot wait to try it!

Berries

Fresh berries are another hydrating food. After all, water lends to their juiciness! The possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying berries. Freeze your berries then blend them with low-fat milk and bananas for a wonderful smoothie. Add your favorite berries to granola or cereal, top ice cream with them, or mix them into whipped cream or yogurt.

Fruit Juice

A study released in 2008 by UCLA touted pomegranate juice as the most healthiest fruit juice. It contains the most antioxidants and is favorable for healthy hearts. Concord grape, blueberry, black cherry, acai, cranberry, orange, and apple juice were not far behind on the list. Water is the main ingredient in fruit juice drinking 8 to 12 oz a day should aid in keeping you hydrated. However, don't go overboard. Fruit juice is high in sugar.

Salad

During the summer, take advantage of the local Farmer's Market. There you will find all the ingredients you need to make a salad. Hydrating foods like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and celery should be high on your priority list.

Sports Drinks

Sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade replenish your body with carbohydrates and electrolytes that you lose after an hour of activity. Sports drinks are often high in sugar so stick to water if your activity is less than an hour. Otherwise, sports drinks are great for hydration during pregnancy. Look online for a homemade sports drinks recipe so that you won't blow your budget.

Soups

Have you ever wondered why soup was the food of choice when you had a cold or fever? It is because of the nutrients and water that soup provides when you are too sick to take in solid foods. Now you know why chicken noodle soup hits the spot during winter colds. Vegetable broth, chicken broth, and beef broth are the basic ingredient in many wonderful soups. Buy canned soups at your local grocery store, or pull out your favorite family recipes to make soup from scratch.

Milk

Milk is largely made up of water. For a tasty treat, add milk to blended frozen fruit for smoothies or fresh fruit for milkshakes. I perused Allrecipes.com and my favorite recipe so far is the Chocolate Strawberry Banana Milkshake. My mouth is watering already.

Now that you have 8 ideas for increasing your water intake during the summer months, I hope your concerns about dehydration are eased. Hopefully these ideas will lead to ideas of your own and you will be able to find delicious, nutritious, and colorful ways to stay hydrated. Enjoy your summer and don't forget the sunscreen!