Electrolytes don’t have to come from sports drinks.
When it comes to fitness, sports, and life in general, hydration should be taken very seriously. Especially during the summer months when we are a lot more likely to be outside working out, prioritizing your hydration is something you should absolutely do.
Electrolytes are salts and minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium that help to maintain the fluid balance in the body. The most popular way to get your electrolytes is through sports drinks, however they can be very sugary, which is not great for the body.
One way to support your electrolytes is through food. Here are five foods that help keep your electrolytes at a healthy level.
Bananas- Each banana contains about 422 mg of potassium, which helps support muscle function and blood pressure. They are also super portable, which makes them a great snack for outdoor workouts and sports.
Coconut Water- One cup of coconut water contains about 250 mg of sodium and 600 mg of potassium. If you’re looking to replace your Gatorade, I highly recommend coconut water.
READ MORE: Could You Be Over-hydrated?
Avocado- Just one avocado has up to 975 mg of potassium, so they make a great post-workout snack. They bruise easily though, so you may not want to throw them into your gym bag for later.
Watermelon- Some watermelon cubes in a Tupperware container are a great snack for electrolyte support. It’s literally like eating water.
Yogurt- 1 cup of Greek yogurt has about 450 mg of calcium, as well as high levels of protein. Greek yogurt also supports gut health and your immune system, so you really can’t go wrong.
Staying hydrated this summer is super important, so I hope that this post helps you decide what to pack in your lunch box to support both your fluid levels, and your overall health!