Weather you are sun lover or prefer the shade, these recipes will keep you and your family hydrated and nourished over the long, hot summer days. As important as it is to put on your sunscreen, its as important to get your fluids in!

A great way to figure out how much water you should be drinking a day is to take your weight and divide it in two, that will give you the number of ounces you need to drink per day.  For example:  150lb/2 = 75 ounces daily.  These 5 recipes are super easy to make, use everyday ingredients, and are good for everyone in the family, including your dog!

Cucumber and Lemon Water

Plain and simple, cucumbers are packed with electrolytes, are hydrating and super alkaline and lemons contain a good dose of potassium, Vitamin C, and are alkaline when consumes.  Its best to drink this through a straw because the acidity of the lemon can be harsh on your teeth enamel if you drink this everyday.

1 litre filtered/spring water

1 lemon, sliced in rounds

1/2 English cucumber, sliced in rounds

1/2 tsp Himalayan or sea salt

A few fresh leaves of mint (optional)

Place all ingredients but he water into a container and with the back of a wooden spoon bruise the mixture to release juices and oils. Add in water and stir well. Leave it in the fridge or on the counter and enjoy.

Simple Homemade Electrolyte Beverage

So many of today's electrolyte drinks contain simple sugars, artificial flavours and colours that more and more people are trying to get away from, here is an alternative that will provide you with all the benefits of the store bought brands, minus the fluff!

1 1/2 cups of filtered/spring water

The juice of 1/2 lemon

1 Tbs maple syrup  

1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt (because its packed with trace minerals, sea salt is also great)

Toss all ingredients into a mason jar and shake until its combined, you can throw in a few ice cubes to help blend the ingredients better and to give it a soothing chill.  Drink immediately, or leave it in the fridge for up to a week. 

For the Juicer - Watermelon and Cucumber Juice

If you have a juicer at home, you’ll love this recipe!  This juice is smooth, sweet, and is a health cocktail for every one of your cells. It a wonderful treat! 

1 large English cucumber

1 cup watermelon cubes

1/2 lemon

Pop ingredients into juicer and either refrigerate in an air tight mason jar, or enjoy right away. Since watermelon is very sweet, you can reduce the amount by half to reduce sugar content. Because juices oxides quickly its best to enjoy this juice within 24 hours. You can also freeze this juice in popsicle molds for a fun and nutritious snack for the kids, or just for yourself!

For the Blender - Coconut Mango Ice Cream

This is a quick and easy, on the fly, instant ice cream. This recipe contains coconut water which is so high in potassium - it's nature's electrolyte drink! Coconut water is great for throwing in your gym bag or yoga bag and acts as a great post-workout drink to restore your electrolytes and energy levels but for this recipe it is a super secret ingredient that makes your ice cream that much better!

1 can coconut cream

2 cups frozen mangos, cubed

1 cup coconut water

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Place the can of coconut cream in the freezer for an hour or overnight. In a blender or food processor add in the frozen coconut cream, frozen mango chunks, and the coconut water. Pulse the mixture a few times, then blend well for 2-3 minutes, too much longer and the ice cream might start to melt. If you like your ice cream smoother add in more coconut water until you reach your desired texture. Serve immediately. If you want to make this recipe ahead just freeze once it's made and thaw it on the counter 30 minutes prior to serving. 

This recipe is also great for your dog!  I freeze some in ice cube trays and toss them to my pup on those hot summer days, he loves them!

For the Blender - Banana Coconut Ice Cream with Cacao Nibs

This is your healthy indulgence ice cream, another one that's great in popsicle molds, and a kid favourite! This ice cream is a great treat for after a vigorous workout or a long hike. It's nutritious and delicious, a great source of electrolytes and nutrients, and so easy to make!

2 sliced frozen banana

1/2 can coconut cream

1/4 tsp Himalayan salt

2 Tbsp cacao nibs

2 tsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp toasted shredded coconut (optional)

Just like the Coconut Mango Ice Cream, place the can of coconut cream in the freezer but for only 30 minutes prior to making.

In a food processor or blender, add in coconut cream, banana, salt, nibs, and maple syrup and blend well.  If you want a smoother texture feel free to add in more coconut milk until desired texture is achieved. Make this puppy friendly my omitting the cacao nibs.

Enjoy immediately, or freeze for up to a month. Allow to thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Maddalena is a passionate Yoga and Ayurveda teacher and student. She actively combines complimentary healing modalities to improve the quality of health for herself and her clients. Her holistic health coaching focuses on mind, body and spirit healing. Maddalena loves educating others on the health benefits of a whole food and plant-based diets as well as the importance of seasonal eating. She teaches therapeutic styles of Yoga, Pranayama and meditation practices, as well as a variety of Reiki healing treatments 1-on-1, in groups and in her taught classes.