Five Unexpected Places to Get Your Electrolytes
We’ve covered unusual ways to get hydrated before, but that was all about natural water content in certain products. Staying hydrated is also helpful if you can replenish the electrolytes you lose through sweating while you drink. While many people turn to sports drinks or supplements, there are some simple, natural ways to get your electrolytes in.
Unsweetened Coconut Water
Coconut water remains all the rage for people on the lookout for a natural, delicious option for hydrating. What many people don’t realize is, that besides a healthy dose of potassium, the real reason coconut water helps keep you hydrated is its high electrolyte content. It’s like a natural Gatorade with a rich, earthy flavor that tastes even better straight from the coconut, if you can get it.
Eat More Dairy
Obviously you don’t have to too hard on the milk and cheese, especially if you have trouble digesting it (and it isn’t great for you), but knowing that having a little not only helps provide you with a lot of protein but with your electrolytes, well that’s having your cake and eating it, too. Figuratively, at least – unless you really love cheesecake.
Eat Some Bananas
If you exercise a lot, chances are you already know that bananas are loaded with potassium and are great to keep with you in the event of a muscle cramp. Chomping down on a banana can make quick work of cramps, but they’re also a great source of electrolytes, on top of everything else. You can have too much of a good thing, sure, but you can rarely have too many bananas around.
Eat Some Avocado
Avocados are showing up everywhere of late and, even though that run a little on the expensive side, you can make a great guacamole or avocado toast that is also a source of electrolytes. On top of that, avocados are a great source of potassium, just like bananas, and they contain some of the healthier fats that it is recommended the average person consume on a given day.
Have Some Watermelon as a Treat
Well, it’s in the name – watermelons are not bad at hydrating you. They can be deceiving, since they’re so naturally sweet, but whether you’re eating a slice, a personal melon all your own, or you’re drinking watermelon juice, you’re getting potassium (like avocados and bananas) and you’re getting those precious electrolytes back.
Summary
Especially if you’re incredibly active, you’re likely losing a lot of electrolytes, and fast, on the regular. The idea with these suggestions is to give you ways beyond simple sports drinks to get those electrolytes back, at meals or during snacks. This way you have an extra benefit to something you already love. Exercising and simply being exposed to the heat can dehydrate you very easily, so always keep a water bottle with you and, if you can, pack a little snack pack as a sort of delicious first aid kit for your workouts.
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