Hockey season is here and with it comes the fun of picking out your favorite team to support and the excitement of watching game after game. One of the aspects that can make or break your experience is the water you choose to drink while watching the game. Unless you are at the professional level, drinking from a glass is usually the best option as plastic cups could end up in the stomachs of the fish you are trying to cheer on.
But what exactly is the proper amount of hydration for a hockey player? Is it best to drink more or less than usual? How about if you are at a barbecue festival or amusement park during the summer? There are a lot of variables to consider when picking out the ideal hydration plan for your sports activities and lifestyle, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you figure out just what amount of drinking to do during hockey season.
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Try Red And White Wine
One of the best things you can do for your health during the season is to consume alcohol in moderation. The alcohol in wine and beer is known as ‘flavor alcohol’ and it gives your drink a deeper color and more complex taste. A lot of the time when people don’t drink enough water they drink the wrong kind of alcohol because they feel that it tastes better than other drinks. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, when you drink alcohol, you are giving your body extra hydration which in turn helps your body function better and produce more liquid. The great thing about this is that different types of alcohol help you achieve different goals in terms of hydration. For example, white wine will help you stay hydrated during the game but if you are hosting a barbecue party, then you should switch to something stronger to achieve that desired effect.
Drink When You Need To
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t drink if you don’t need to. You shouldn’t feel the need to drink more than usual just because it is season or because you are at a social event. You should drink when you are thirsty and if you become thirsty while watching or playing sports, then it means you are already hydrated. This could also mean you are dehydrated due to excessive exercise, so if you feel like you are still thirsty even after drinking, then you should have another sip. One of the signs you are drinking too much water is if you start to feel bloated or if you are having trouble breathing. If you start to feel any of these effects, then you should reduce how much water you are drinking or stop drinking altogether until you again experience these effects of dehydration. Once you are hydrated, you should continue drinking in moderation to ensure your health doesn’t suffer during the season.
When Is It Okay To Drink More?
If you are at a bar or restaurant during the off-season, then it is okay to drink more. Bars and restaurants typically stock well water so if you are not drinking the right kind, then it means you are losing out on the flavor. Even when at home during the season, it is okay to drink more than usual. You should feel free to drink as much water as you need without worrying about how much you should actually be drinking. When at home, you should drink more than usual to stay hydrated during the day, but you should also remember to drink plenty of water even when you are not physically active. Staying hydrated is a must during the season to ensure your health and performance are not affected negatively. Remember: if you feel thirsty even after drinking, then you are already hydrated and you should continue drinking until you feel satisfied. Once you reach your optimal hydration level, you should stop drinking additional water unless you need it for some reason – even then, you should finish what you start to drink.
What About Ice Cream, Snack Cake, And Muffin?
If you are going to a barbecue festival or amusement park during the season, then you should bring a cooler full of your favorite snacks and drinks to keep your energy up while you are there. Depending on how long you will be at the festival or park, you might even want to bring a small cooler filled with ice cream, frozen lemonade, and snack cake to snack on. Along those same lines, if you are going to a sporting event and want to keep your energy up while you cheer on your favorite team, then it is best to bring food and drink that compliments one another. For instance, if you are going to a baseball game and want to stay hydrated, then you should bring a soft drink in a can along with you. There is a common misconception that if you are going to a bar or restaurant, you should bring a six-pack of beer. This is untrue; you should bring whatever is best for your needs. If you want to stay hydrated and are not sure what to bring, then you should bring a case of bottled water. Even when you are not playing sports, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. This way, you will stay healthy and have the energy to enjoy the season.