Stay Hydrated This Summer.

Don’t want the dyes and artificial crap in Gatorade or other sports drinks?

I have better options to keep yourself and kids hydrated and replenish those electrolytes this summer.

Watermelon/WatermelonJuice.

The Health Benefits of Watermelon & Watermelon Juice:

• Watermelon Keeps You Hydrated.

• Watermelon is High in Vitamins, Minerals, & Antioxidants.

• Watermelon is a Rich Source of Lycopene.

• Watermelon Helps Reduce Inflammation.

• Watermelon Rind Also Offers Health Benefits.

• Eating Watermelon May Relieve Soreness & Boost Recovery Time.

Watermelon's high water content, antioxidants, and amino acids may make for a better workout. It's also high in potassium, a mineral that could cut down on cramps at the gym. You can sip watermelon juice after you sweat, too. Doing so could help prevent muscle soreness, as long as you don't push yourself too hard.

Blend watermelon in a blender or juice it in a juicer. A brand that you can buy is Suja Organic Watermelon Juice. I have found this company and brand to be very reputable and it scored a 3 on the EWG.com website.

Coconut water. Benefits of drinking coconut water:

• Aids in hydration. While comparable to sports drinks, which can be loaded with added sugars and flavorings, coconut water is low in calories and carbs.

• High in potassium.

• Kidney stone prevention.

• Healthier skin.

• Good source of several nutrients.

• May have antioxidant properties.

• May help lower blood sugar for people living with diabetes.

• Beneficial after prolonged exercise. ... helps relieve muscle soreness

• Delicious source of hydration

Store bought brands are the way to go if you don't have coconuts laying around (which many of us don't including myself. Read the labels and make sure the ingredients say coconut water. Nothing else added! My favorite brand is Harmless Harvest Coconut Water. Another bran is 0 Organic 100% Coconut Water.

Bananas.

If you play sports and have been outside sweating a lot chances are you need potassium and bananas are known to be the king of all potassium containing fruits and veggies.

1. Try a banana smoothie with almond milk. Add in some spinach and frozen blueberries and a banana.

DIY Electrolyte Drink

• 1 ½-2 cups water.

• Juice of ½ lemon.

• 1/8 to 1/4 tsp real sea salt, Himalayan salt , or Celtic sea salt.

• 2 tsp raw honey, local if possible.