Hydrate naturally with coconut water.

Coconut water seems to be all the rage these days, thanks to photographs of popular celebrities (like Madonna, taken from People) indulging themselves in boxes of Vita Coco. Though it's been around forever, coconut water is evermore available because the food industry has found a way to package it in convenient juice boxes. Yep—like the kind you drank from as a kid!

Some consider it to be yet another drink fad, but many agree that coconut water is completely legit. Coconut water (not coconut milk, that's different) is pure and natural, and contains a large amount of electrolytes for superb hydration. It contains potassium, too. Maybe even more than a banana, though I'm reading conflicting research as to how much more. Some say more than one banana, Vita Coco claims more than two. Either way, the potassium is there and it helps hydrate the body (as do the electrolytes) while preventing muscle cramps. The carbs are there as well, which makes coconut water an excellent addition to any post-workout snack. Drink it alone with some granola and fruit, or mix it into a smoothie. Sounds tasty, right?

And it is, though you have to like coconut. I've had plain coconut water and a version infused with real pineapple juice—they were both equally delicious and refreshing. My juice box of Vita Coco Coconut Water with Pineapple was the same size as Madonna's in the picture above. It had only 80 calories, none of which were fat calories. Sugar? 21 grams, all natural. I expect that would be less had I not chosen a version infused with fruit. In fact, I imagine the calories would be less, too!

I'm curious—have you ever had coconut water? If so, did you drink it plain or mix it with something? If you haven't had coconut water yet, you should give it a try. It's perfect for all this hot weather we've been having! Do everything you can to stay hydrated!