Andy doesn't have to worry about this. I'm amazed at how well dogs are able to regulate their water intake. Whenever Andy and Bailey come back from a long walk they immediately go and gulp down some water. I guess only having one liquid choice makes it a pretty easy decision! ;p
While I love the taste of regular water I like to spice it up from time to time. I was so excited when Crystal Light contacted me and asked if I'd like to try their new Crystal Light Pure. It is similar to the original Crystal Light, but contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. It is sweetened with a blend of Truvia (an all-natural, no-calorie sweetener derived from the stevia plant) and sugar. Each stick makes 16 ounces (this is considered 2 servings) and has 30 calories (15 calories per serving). Its a great way to help make sure you are getting enough water every day, especially if you are a person that doesn't like the taste of water. (I used to be one!)
The boxes got banged up a little in the mail but the contents were all safe and sound. The flavors I received to try were grape, strawberry kiwi, and tropical blend. The grape and strawberry kiwi both contain electrolytes to help aid hydration during light physical activity.
A closeup of the sticks. Each box contains seven sticks. I received these last week and decided to take some to Josh's so we could taste test them together over our anniversary weekend!
Josh double fisting the Crystal Light. ;p I love how easy these are to make. You literally measure out the amount of water, open the packet, pour, and mix. So simple.
We both sampled the Tropical Blend and really liked it. It was cool and refreshing and light. Crystal Light Pure has a much milder taste than artificially sweetened drinks and are not overly sweet.
I was in the mood for another one today after a busy day at school. It was rainy and cold and gray out so I decided to spice it up and make a warm drink. I boiled 16 ounces of water and then added a stick of the strawberry kiwi.
It was out of this world. It was so comforting and soothing and just a make you feel happy drink! It didn't feel like I was drinking a glass of a water, it had the fullness of a glass of juice or mocktail. This is a drink I will definitely be making again and again. And bonus, I'll be increasing my water intake by doing so!
Crystal Light Pure was also sweet enough to send a list of tips to help stay hydrated written by their spokesperson, Molly Kimball, RD. I found them interesting and helpful and thought I would share them with you!
1. Keep a tally- We can't actually tell how well we're hydrated by how thirsty we feel. For many of us, by the time we start to feel thirsty, we're already dehydrated, but just how much water is enough when it comes to staying hydrated? Keep a running tally of how much fluid you're getting and aim for half of your body weight in ounces of fluid per day, plus an extra 1 ounces for every pound of sweat lost during exercise or work in the heat.
2. Flavor Up to Drink Up- Want to drink water to stay hydrated, but hate the boring taste? Add the flavor you want and none of what you don’t by sipping on naturally sweetened Crystal Light Pure. It’s got no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives and is sweetened with sugar and Truvia, a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It’ll give your water light, refreshing flavor with just 15 calories and 4 grams of sugar per serving. And the Grape and Strawberry Kiwi flavors have the added bonus of electrolytes!
3. Don’t Forget about Food- Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels, preventing muscle cramping and headaches, and more serious issues like heatstroke. But that doesn’t mean you have to force down gallons of water or bottles of sugary sports drinks. Any type of alcohol-free beverage can count toward your fluid intake – and even some foods! Some of the top electrolyte-rich, hydrating foods include all types of fresh fruit, soups like gazpacho and Greek yogurt.
4. Watch the Caffeine- For years, the widely-held belief was that caffeinated beverages were dehydrating. An abundance of research has proven otherwise, however. The amount of caffeine typically found in standard servings of tea, coffee, and soft drinks appears to have no diuretic effect, meaning that these beverages don’t cause us to lose more fluid than they provide. But remember that you don’t want the majority of your fluids to come from caffeinated drinks since most health organizations recommend we limit our caffeine intake. Instead, try to vary what you’re drinking.
Question of the Day- Are you a big water drinker? Do you like the taste or do you have to add in other flavors to enjoy it? I used to find the taste of plain water so boring when I was little and never really wanted to drink it, but now I absolutely crave it and have to have a bottle with me at all times!
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