BOISE, Idaho — Summer may be over, but it's still important to stay hydrated.
There are plenty of ways to stay hydrated without having added sugar in your diet. Sports drinks normally have added sugars, as well as other ingredients that may not make it the best daily choice. Experts only recommend sports drinks if you're exercising for more than an hour at a time so they aren't the best option throughout your day.
When looking for the right drink to keep with you, make sure you look at the labels. Sugar comes in various forms and won't always be under the simple label of "sugar," but there are key words to look for. Ingredients that end with "-ose" are going to be sugars 95 percent of the time.
Drinking more water is a common goal, but it can be difficult to achieve. Carrying a water bottle can be a good reminder to yourself to stay hydrated during the day. Other ways to get more water into your diet: try flavoring water with slices of fruit (strawberries, lemons, melon) or even vegetables, like cucumbers.
If you're out at a coffee shop or restaurant, there are ways to save your drink from extra sugar. Ordering a smaller size can help cut out syrup sugars. You can also ask for half-sweetened coffees or lattes to cut down on extra sugar. Low-calorie options with artificial sweeteners are also an option if you still want to enjoy a diet drink from time to time.
