Hydrating Drinks To Try During Pregnancy & Postpartum
It is no secret that being well hydrated is important for individuals of all ages! As a mom especially, staying hydrated is extra important as you spend your days caring for your family and meeting their many needs. Ensuring that you are getting enough fluids is a great way to naturally boost your energy levels, support proper digestion, prevent bodily aches and headaches, all while caring for your body's needs. As you journey through the various stages of early motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum, nursing and then chasing little ones, your changing body will benefit greatly when you supply it with plenty of fluids. Here are some great tips and recipes to incorporate into your days so that you can do exactly that!
We will start off with some tips to encourage you to drink enough each and every day:
Tip #1: Invest in a reusable drinking cup. This is a great way to help you to remember to bring your drink along with you as you move through your day! Choosing a large tumbler style cup is typically preferred as many of them are temperature controlled to keep your drink at the temperature you desire. They hold a good amount of liquid and are easy to clean at the end of each day, making this a convenient choice.
Tip #2: Choose the right kinds of drinks. While it may be tempting to reach for a coffee or soda midday to give yourself an extra energy boost, do your best to stick to drinks that are actually going to hydrate you! We will be sharing some ideas and recipes below if you are growing tired of plain water, but do try to navigate away from drinks that may end up leaving you dehydrated in the end.
Tip #3: Get into a good routine. By starting and ending your day with hydration, it will help you to remember to keep drinking regularly. If you prioritize drinking a full glass of water or tea for example first thing in the morning and in the evening, it will help set the stage for you to continue the practice throughout your busy days. Aim to drink a full glass with each meal too, and sip on your drinks in between meals and alongside snacks.
Tip #4 Stay open to various kinds of hydration! Much like in tip #2 where we noted the importance of choosing the right kinds of drinks, be open to trying various kinds of healthy options! Good hydrations can be achieved through a variety of waters, teas, smoothies and broths.
Now that we have some tips in place to help set you up for success, let's dive into the drink recipes!
Recipe #1: While water is always a great option to reach for, consider boosting the benefits of water consumption by infusing some fresh organic fruit into it! To do this, seek out citrus fruits such as lemon, oranges or grapefruit slices to drop into your water cup. Cucumbers offer a refreshing spin if you are not a fan of citrus flavors, while berries and watermelon can add a sweet note. You can add your preferred organic fruits into your water and drink right away, or you can make it ahead of time and allow it to sit in a pitcher or mason jar overnight to really allow the fruit's nutrients to be absorbed into the water.
Recipe #2: Reach for natural organic herbs and teas. Trying out various kinds of teas and adding in some extra herbs are another great way to offer up different tastes for your palette, all while promoting natural nutrients and hydration. If you are pregnant or nursing, be sure to check with your care provider first as some herbs and teas are not recommended during this time. Some commonly enjoyed teas and herbs that are usually deemed safe include ginger tea, nettle tea, chamomile tea, red raspberry leaf, peppermint, rosemary and roobios teas! Many of these blends can be found in the tea aisle at the grocery store, so they are easy to mix with warm water and drink at home. If you prefer to make them from scratch, gather your desired herbs and place them into a mesh tea strainer. Place into a mug of boiling water and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the water has turned color. These kinds of teas and herbs can often relieve common discomforts such as nausea and fatigue, while promoting healthy vitamin absorption and body functions.
Recipe #3: Add protein to your favorite smoothies and shakes. Getting enough protein in your diet is vital for your health and energy levels. Adding it to your drink is one easy way to easily meet your daily protein needs! Keep a high quality protein powder of your choice on hand and add a scoop to a blender filled with a few pieces of your favorite fruit, a cup of organic yogurt, a cup of ice and some coconut milk. You could also mix protein powder straight into your preferred milk and mix it well to make a yummy shake. These two options are both really helpful on extra busy days if you find it tough to sit down and eat a full meal or snack as the protein will help keep you fueled and full!
Recipe #4: Give broth a try! Bone broth in specific has numerous health benefits and when heated in a cozy mug, it is a great way to add some comfort to your day, while promoting bodily healing and gut health. You can buy ready-made, organic bone broth at the store or you can make it at home by using leftover chicken or beef bones from a previous meal.
If making it from scratch, you will want to first blanch the bones in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes. Next, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and lay the bones on a baking sheet alongside your preferred chopped vegetables and top with a drizzle of olive oil. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, turning them half way through to ensure they caramelize. Once finished, transfer the bones and veggies into a large pot alongside 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, chopped onions, herbs and spices of your choice, and then add enough water so that all items in the pot are covered! Bring the pot to a boil, then lower to a simmer and keep it that way for about 8 hours. Once finished, strain out the veggies and bones so that all you have remaining is the broth. Enjoy right away or store in a sealed mason jar in the fridge and heat when ready to consume.
What are some of your favorite tips and recipes when it comes to staying well hydrated? Let us know below!
Additionally, if you would like to read similar posts about nourishing your body, check out these links below:
Easy Postpartum Meal Ideas for The Whole Family
Nutrition Ideas during Pregnancy and Postpartum
What to Eat While Breastfeeding - Organicbabyfood.shop
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