Hydration: A Safety Practice We Can’t Ignore
5 Tips to Stay Hydrated During Texas Summers
No. 2: Consider your level of activity. Engaging in any activity that makes you sweat will require you to drink extra water to compensate for fluid loss. Make sure to fill up your glass after your summer bike ride or even after river rafting! No. 3: Get hydrated from a healthy diet, too. Water is the best source of hydration, but beverages such as milk or juice (with minimal sugar) can help you hydrate, too. Your fluid intake can even benefit from foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries. No. 4: Skip the Gatorade. After extended periods of exercise, you’ll want to replenish your body’s minerals and electrolytes. Just make sure to avoid sugary sports drinks — a banana, or water with a little salt, will work as well. No. 5: Avoid caffeine before extended activities in the sun. Coffee might help you focus at work, but caffeine can increase water loss. This makes energy drinks and coffee less effective for hydrating before long summertime activities.
As we approach the end of spring, we start dreaming about all the exciting activities we’ll do this summer. Maybe you’ll be hitting the pool or going mountain biking, but no matter what you do, you’ll need to be hydrated so you can avoid fatigue, lightheadedness, and/or throbbing headaches.
With that said, here are some hydration tips and potential precautions for you and your family to keep in mind.
No. 1: Be aware of the weather. Hot summer temperatures can cause water loss, even if it’s cloudy and breezy. If the temperatures hover between 70–80 degrees F, your body will remain warm while exuding less sweat. However, you will still need hydration if you’re outside, even if you’re sitting. Texas-Sized LAUGHS
Dehydration can cause everything we do to be a little more dangerous — even walking! Be careful and stay hydrated as well as you can this summer.
BANANA BARS WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
INGREDIENTS
• • • • • •
1 cup butter, softened and divided
• • • • • •
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 ripe bananas, mashed 8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream 1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter and the sugar for 5–7 minutes with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla and beat until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine with the wet mixture. Stir in bananas. 4. In a greased pan, spread the mixture evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove from oven to cool. 5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup butter, and vanilla until the mixture is fluffy for frosting. Gradually beat in enough powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency. 6. When bars are completely cool, frost and cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator.
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
3
WWW.THETEXASLAWDOG.COM
817.775.5364
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator