I can't believe how hot the temperature is this summer. July hasn't even hit yet and I've already become a victim of spontaneous sweating in the early morning hours of the day. One huge side effect of this extreme heat is the rapid fluid loss occurring in such a short time frame. We all know the importance of staying well hydrated, especially during summer months, but I'm here to spread the word about the wide array of healthy fluids we can use to satisfy the thirst of both our bodies and our hair.
As I sit here, people watching at my local sandwich shop, I'm taking note the myriad of people purchasing iced lattes and cold sodas in hopes of experiencing some type of refreshment. What they aren't thinking about are the missed opportunities to provide the body nourishment not only with the sandwiches they consume but also with the drinks they wash them down with.
I'm constantly trying to figure out how to give my body (and my hair) more of what it needs most. I think right now is the perfect opportunity to replenish, not only what the body losses, but also what it's missing, by consuming highly nutritious fluids. When you are out and about this summer, consider including the following thirst quenchers into your day-to-day.
Fresh Food Juices!
The list is endless but I'll attempt to name a few and allow you to get creative. But a general rule of thumb you should follow is, "if you can't get it into you diet then drink it!" If you've been missing opportunities to incorporate greens into your daily eating, drink it! Nowadays you can get a variety of prepackaged organic fruit and vegetable juices chilled and ready to drink. Bolthouse, Odwalla, and Naked are just a few brands out there with lots of different choices ranging from carrot juice to green super-foods to high antioxidant fruit juices. Whenever I'm not being a good girl with my eating habits, I also make sure to pick up a bottle as a way of making things right. Check out the back label of this juices when you get a chance, they are loaded with nutrition and best of all the liquid vitamins go straight to the bloodstream.
Don't let the choices stop there....you can also drink up the myriad of other health food drinks available like coconut water, aloe and acai juice the list goes on and on. Don't forget about nut milks that are loaded with protein. By the way, Acai contains essential fatty acids which is always a good thing. A general rule of thumb you should use when reaching for a drink should be did it once come from a fruit or veggie? Is it in it's most natural form possible?
**Disclaimer** Whenever reaching for juices, make sure to read the label so you are not consuming drinks that have high (man made) sugar contents.
Supped-Up Smoothies!
Ok so when it's reeeeally hot, you start looking for an icier beverage choice. Instead of an iced coffee, why not a smoothie? I'm talking about the specialty smoothies that use real fruit/veggie bases. You can also pay a bit more for healthy boosters like multi-vitamins, spirullina, protein, and so on. Sure these drinks cost a bit more than if you were to just buy a soda but think of all the fabulous benefits. Also, most of the time they sell these smoothies in large serving sizes which can really fill you up. Smoothies often serve as meal replacements for me on those days when I don't feel like grabbing a heavy lunch. Again make sure that you are opting for the most natural options available and treat yourself to the health boost option of your choice.
Good 'Ole Fashion H20!
If your budget won't allow for fancy drinks then water is the next best thing. Actually, you should keep a bottle of water handy at all times. That way whenever the feeling of thirst comes upon you, you'll be only an arms reach of some refreshing h20. Water is the most natural form of rehydration out there. Water helps your body on so many levels it's not even funny. Think about it, without water for three days, you're dead.
You skin, your nails, your hair, your organs, your cells, all of it is depending on you to give it as much water as it needs to thrive. Not survive, but thrive. Start right now to incorporate more water in your daily habits. Drink some first thing in the morning and keep a bottle handy at all times.
High Antioxidant Teas!
In our quest for cooling ourselves down let's not forget about the traditionally hot drink, tea! Of course in the summertime you can opt to have your tea served on the rocks. I know what you're thinking, "what do antioxidants have to do with healthy hair?"
That's a great question! As you may already know, healthy teas are revered for their high antioxidant levels. Antioxidants search out and destroy free radicals in our bodies. So what's that got to do with our hair? Well just as free radicals cause premature aging in the skin and cells, so can they also create premature agin in our hair follicles. This means are shortened life for the hair strand. Shortened hair life means that you'll have a tougher time reaching those coveted hair length goals you've been dreaming about. Do your self a favor and enjoy a nice cup of antioxidant-rich tea.
Stimulating Lemonade!
You know how everyone was doing the Master Cleanse for weight loss and whatnot, well after reading about the nutritional benefits of the fresh squeezed lemon, the cayenne pepper, and maple syrup, I thought to myself, "why can we drink this anytime?" According to the online Master Cleanse manual, the ingredients of this weight-loss lemonade provide the body the necessary requirements to function optimally even while we forgo solid food. Think about how great it would be to start off your day with a stimulating nutrient filled lemonade. Best of all this drink is relatively inexpensive and easy to make at home. Another benefit is that you can control the sugar content by adding as little or as much maple syrup as you like. This drink wakes up the digestive system and improves circulation all over the body. Don't wait for your next cleanse to enjoy this healthy lemonade mix.
With so many nutritious beverage choices out there you have no excuse to but drink healthy. Why even bother drinking yucky soda that does absolutely nothing for the hair and is worse on the body. I've done my part in spreading the knowledge. Knowing is half the battle, the other half is up to you.
Happy Hair Growing!