As the seasons change, one thing that stays consistent in my wellness routine is my commitment to proper hydration.
Proper hydration status (called euhydration) means having adequate fluids present in your body. This fluid balance depends on many factors, including the intake and excretion of electrolytes. Each electrolyte, sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate, serve important functions in your blood and tissues including:- Regulating nerve transmission
- Mediating fluid balance
- Promoting proper heart function (heartbeat)
- Facilitating cellular signaling
- Controlling muscle contraction
- Influencing immunity
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Maintaining hormonal health
The main pillar of healthy hydration is to consume an adequate amount of sodium in your diet. According to the FDA, 70% of sodium in the American diet comes from packaged foods, so for anyone following a whole foods diet such as Paleo or low-carb, our sodium intake decreases.
Drinking water without an adequate amount of sodium in your diet can result in unpleasant side effects due to an electrolyte imbalance. An electrolyte imbalance is a disturbance in the concentration of electrolytes in your body, specifically when blood levels of a given electrolyte become too high or too low.
Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Low energy levels
Winter Hydration 101
Despite being a vital part of our health, electrolytes are often viewed as something we should only consider supplementing during the warmer months. And even though it’s not the hot summer months that make us super thirsty, you may be more prone to dehydration during winter. Exposure to the cold increases sodium excretion and our metabolic rate, increasing our hydration needs. Both water and electrolytes are needed to ensure proper hydration.
LMNT electrolytes are here to support you through the holiday season with three new decadent flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth, increase energy, clarity, focus, decrease cravings, and promote satiety. This years Chocolate Medley includes 10 Chocolate Chai (new flavor), 10 Mint Chocolate (back again), and 10 Chocolate Raspberry. Each stick contains 1000 mg sodium, 200 mg potassium, and 60 mg magnesium— with no artificial ingredients, gluten, fillers, or added sugar.
Three Hydrating Chocolate Medley Recipes:
The average American consumes over 60 pounds of sugar per year. Between the holiday treats and sugary cocktails, our sugar consumption during the holiday season is likely to sky rocket. Finding ways to manage and satisfy your cravings is easier than ever with LMNT’s limited edition Chocolate Medley. I enjoy them hot on it’s own (the perfect swap out for Halloween candy), sprinkled into my favorite holiday treats, or added into Fab 4 smoothies.
Here are a few recipes I've had on rotation:
Peppermint Mocha - Hold the Sugar
- 10-12 oz of coffee
- 1 LMNT Mint Chocolate
- 1/2 scoop Be Well By Kelly Chocolate Grass-fed protein powder
- 4 oz hot water or nut milk of choice
Extra Salty Salted Caramel Smoothie
- 1 scoop Be Well By Kelly Vanilla Grass-fed protein powder
- 1 LMNT Chocolate Chai Packet
- 1-2 tbsp MCT oil
- 1 serving psyllium husk
- 1-2 dates
- 1-1.5 cups of unsweetened nut milk or water
Chocolate Raspberry Fab 4 Smoothie
- 1 serving Be Well Chocolate Grass-fed Protein powder
- 1 tbsp coconut butter (or sub almond butter)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds from NOW Foods
- 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice (or greens of choice)
- 1/4 cups frozen raspberries
- 1/2-1 LMNT Chocolate Raspberry packet
- 1-1.5 cups unsweetened nut milk or water
- 1 tsp cacao nibs, for topping
Tip: For a less salty taste, use 1/4-1/2 LMNT packet.
Grab it while you can, the LMNT Chocolate Medley is only available while supplies last. As always, LMNT offers no-questions-asked refunds on all orders so you can try it out and cozy up to the perfect salty and sweet treat. And for a limited time, you can receive a FREE sample pack of all their other flavors with your purchase when shop LMNT through my link.
What's in Your Mug? Share your salty recipes with me on Instagram @bewellbykelly. Get it while it's hot!
