It is August, and it is Texas, That can only mean one thing – IT IS HOT! If you have the good(?) fortune to be pregnant through the summer months – staying cool and staying hydrated can be a challenge. We can’t change the hundred degree heat, but we can make a few suggestions to help you drink, stay comfortable and make it through the end of summer without having to live on your couch under the ceiling fan.
1. Smoothies
Smoothies are awesome for many reasons. You can throw most anything in a smoothie and it will keep you cool as long as you add the ice. Make sure to buy some straws so that you can turn your smoothie into an all day “sipper” then grab some fruit and yogurt, or coffee and half and half or go all out with kale, protein powders and Whole 30 compatible add ins. (Just FYI, five servings of fruit are equal to two servings of fluid). Throw it all into your blender, pour it into your favorite Yeti style cup and enjoy. Truly, the only down side of smoothies is cleaning up the blender.
2. Swimming
Getting your pregnant body in float mode is pretty self explanatory. Not only will it keep you cool, but floating feels excellent when you are deep into pregnancy. Finding a pool is easier for some people than others, but even if you don’t have access to your own pool, there are few people who live in Texas that can’t work up sympathy for a very pregnant person in July. There is no better time to beg for invitations to your friends pool or lake houses than now. Of course we encourage you to use proper sun screen and stay hydrated while outside, but add swimming to weekend plans whenever you can to help get you through the summer.
3. Modesty is Overrated
Modesty is overrated when the temperature is sitting around 100 degrees. Don’t be nervous about rocking the belly bump in a sundress or tank top. We have found that stores like Old Navy have flowing loose sundresses that work for pregnant people looking to increase air flow and decrease fabric. Obviously you will have some restrictions on how many of of your clothes you may remove in a professional setting, but sundresses or a tank can be layered easily when inside (where it is after all approximately 40 degrees colder anyway) so that when you walk out to your parking spot at the end of the day you can basically be in a pool cover-up by the time your reach your very hot car.
4. Sonic
It’s all things good. The best ice and any kind of drink you could want and during Happy Hour, it’s even half price. While soda is not a great choice everyday (no judgement though, I am personally a Diet Coke fan) there are lots of teas and other drinks that can provide something for your to sip on for hydration and to stay cool. Since Sonic is also known for it’s amazing ice so after you finish your drink you might even enjoy munching on that. Sonic is always a win win!
5. Popsicles
Not just for kids! Popsicles are a fun and easy way to get fluids and stay cool. Those smoothies you are making? Add a bit more water and turn them into homemade popsicles! Making homemade popsicles is simple. The molds can be bought at Walmart and you simply fill them with your favorite flavored fluid, stick them in the freezer and go away. When you return you have a quick snack that helps keep you cool, hydrated and if you put healthy stuff in your popsicles, you can feed your baby well too. Of course you can also buy great popsicles. Hanging out in the frozen section of the grocery store is bound to keep you cool!
What else are you doing to stay cool this summer? We’d love to hear it!