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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Health & Fitness, Wellness ·

Hydration.


Happy happy Thursday, friends!

Today’s post is all about how I’m staying HYDRATED 🙂 .

I will *most likely* talk about this in depth at some point, but the short of it is that I realized my body wasn’t probably hydrated nearly enough.  We all know my internal organs haven’t always cooperated (we will revisit my hysterectomy and talk much more about that as well!), but I also realized that my body wasn’t eliminating nearly as much as it should be (I have teens, so I have to be delicate about how I express things on the internet).  The point is, overall, I was not hydrating myself properly and around mid-March last year, I decided to be more proactive about that.

Before I really dove into this topic, I would have told you that I was hydrating plenty.  I drank a lot of coffee.  I had water after I exercised.  I drank a club soda with lime any time I was at a restaurant.  I drank about 5 or 6 La Croix/Bubbly a day.

Yeah.

That’s not exactly optimal hydration.

I’m not saying that’s bad or that I was doing anything “wrong”, but based on the amount of activity I do each day (not just exercising but overall activity), and how poorly my insides seemed to be functioning, I was not nearly as hydrated as I should have been.

So, I made it a goal to start hydrating myself more with good old fashioned water.  That’s it.

I still drink my coffee (about 2 cups a day…if it’s cold and I’m being ‘cozy’, I’ll have three), but I’ve reduced my La Croix love down to one a day.  Is La Croix bad for you?  No!  I just can’t consume a lot of very hydrating, plain water if I’m drinking a bunch of other beverages.  I simply needed to make room for more water in my life.  My cans of La Croix were reducing my desire/ability to drink more regular water.

BUT…I did start adding something to my water for hydration and immediately fell in love.  Not only do I love it, but some of my kids are now drinking it too in lieu of when they would have consumed a sports drink.  I am a big fan of this product, and so I wanted to share it with you in case you or your family were also looking for a better/new/different way to stay hydrated.  For the record, I have zero affiliation with this brand, but of course, it aligns with my brand, so I would be happy to collaborate in the future should they ask 🙂 .

I could have made them a FRIDAY FAVE, but I thought they deserved a bit more spotlight than that.

Last spring (after hearing so many positive reviews on FB and social media), I started buying…

…LMNT 🙂 .

You can READ THEIR STORY or check out THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT, but I am a HUGE fan!

I typically only use one or two a day (it depends on how hard I work out/if it’s hot outside/if I feel dehydrated or depleted), but I love it so much that I haven’t skipped a day.  Over the last 9 months, it’s gone with me on vacations (it’s GREAT on airplanes!), to Nantucket, and to school with my kids.

As you can see, we like a lot of the different flavors AND the unflavored ones (that’s the light blue) too.

You add one packet of salt to your water and go.  If you want it more diluted, add more water, and if you want it saltier, add less.

I keep this basket filled with the flavors that work well with cold water, but I also have two boxes below the basket for…

…the chocolate versions which are DELICIOUS in hot water.

You guys, many days this replaces my afternoon coffee.  It’s like very delicious and decadent hot chocolate…only it’s just hot water and one salt packet.  Ashby is a really big fan of the hot chocolate versions too!

Here’s my “typical” routine:

1: In the morning, if I’m going to a hot class (where they crank the temps up to 90 or 100 degrees depending on the class), I bring my big Stanley cup with one unflavored packet in my water.  I, of course, drink more water before and after, but since it’s so hot, I like to have it in my class while I’m working out.

2: Later in the day, I might make myself a “hot chocolate” or I’ll stir a flavored one in my Stanley for an afternoon boost.

My kids though, especially Smith, drink them in lieu of sports drinks now.  Smith loves them the most by far!  This boy is obsessed.  Smith is super active and goes from early morning workouts and runs to off season strength training at school to crew.  He’s also always outside, on his bike…ACTIVE.  I used to buy him Gatorades and Powerades, but now, he only drinks these.  They’re easy for him to take to school and pop in his athletic bags too.

I am still working on getting Andrew and Madeley to try them.  Those two have been hesitant (they keep saying they don’t like salty water), but you guys, they’re really delish.

In fact…

…I’m drinking citrus salt right now as I work on this very post 🙂 .

So, that’s a little bit on how I’ve been hydrating and using LMNT 🙂 .

If you have questions about flavors (I’ve tried them all!) or anything else, I’m so happy to answer them in the comment section.

In the meantime, happy hydrating! xx

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Comments

      • Karen says

        Love this!! Big fan of LMNT and citrus is my favorite as well! So glad (most of) your kids like them also, as Gatorade has so much sugar that we try to avoid it too. I am also a fan of sparkling water but after finding out that La Croix and Topo Chico have PFAS chemicals in them ☹️ we have switched to Waterloo and Spindrift brands. I’m loving this new emphasis on health & wellness and can’t wait to hear more! Thanks for sharing Shay!

  4. Katie says

    I love LMNT! I have been looking at the chocolate ones and never thought about adding them to hot water. Thanks for the great idea!! I’m so excited for your new tips this year!

  6. Jenn L says

    Never heard of these and not sure how I would feel about salty water but you have me intrigued! I did just read something yesterday that drinks like LaCroix and Bubbly can cause cavities and that blew my mind. I guess it isn’t due to sugar but due to the acid in the carbonation?! Learned something new and wanted to share!

  7. Nicole says

    I have one every morning after my work out too!! I have never tried the chocolate! When do you usually have your coffee now?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Just in the morning! Soometimes (like now when it’s winter), I’ll grab an afternoon cup just because it’s cold outside and that makes it cozy for me at work, but I just don’t gravitate towards my afternoon cup if I have one of these now.

  8. Sarah Shaneyfelt says

    Yes, Shay! Once I learned the benefits of the pure electrolytes, I haven’t turned back! I drink Redmond Relyte which is basically the same as LMNT, but just a little cheaper. It’s so much easier for me to wake up and start my day with my electrolyte drink during the warmer months because when it’s cold, I want my cup of coffee first haha. When I wasn’t pregnant work working out more regularly, I could tell a difference if I drank one before exercising–I had so much more energy! Yay for this topic!

    MeetTheShaneyfelts

    • Lisa says

      I drink Redmond Relyte too, mixed berry especially! I didn’t think I’d like salty water but actually love it! I am intrigued by the chocolate LMNT though. I learned recently if you add a pinch of salt to coffee it takes away any bitterness.

  9. Beth Swindig says

    I learned long ago that I have hydration issues—- thanks severe migraines. I am always trying to fix this. Can you taste the salt? How much water are you adding to this? Are they similar to liquid IV? And yes I am going to get some today. Just asking the questions that come to mind.

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      To my hot drink, I only add about 8 ounces. My large Stanley holds 40 oz, so it’s really diluted. That being said, I will take them on trips and use them in standard bottles of water and find them so delish. I really like them!

  10. Sunni says

    I really love this post! I’m hesitant to drink salty water- how salty are we talking? 😜 BUT…. I love this new direction so much!!!

  11. Nicole says

    Is there a reason why you haven’t been running as much? And what work outs/balance makes you feel best? Also, always love hearing what you typically eat in a day too! xx

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I’m going to dive deep into both of those this year, I promise! I’ve rearranged my workouts this year and feel better than ever. I do run still, but now, I only do it when I want to for the mental component and not for my “exercise”. I promise to post!!

      • Nicole says

        Can’t wait to hear!!! You help me find balance! And I couldn’t believe you wrote about the 15 mile run, because I literally did that exact same thing!!!!! I’m telling you, you’re like the older sister I always needed!!! xx

  12. Laci says

    I’m so curious about these. I love Go Hydrate but don’t love the salty taste of Liquid IV. Do these taste salty ?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      I think you’ll think they taste salty at first (not really the chocolate ones though), but it doesn’t take many to stop thinking about the salt. I find them truly, truly delicious!

  13. Alysa says

    Thank you for sharing! I would love to know which flavors you and your family love vs do not love. Also, wondering if you have noticed a difference in how you feel since you’ve incorporated electrolytes into your daily life?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      We don’t dislike any of them, but our favorites are orange, citrus and raspberry. We like watermelon and grapefruit too, but I don’t have to reorder those as frequently which tells me that we’re not grabbing them as often.

  14. Lauren says

    I’ve been curious about LMNT, but have always been hesitant because I was afraid it would make me feel bloated or puffy, similar to when you have too much salty food. Do you notice that happening?

      • Tracy Krzmarzick says

        I love LMNT AND Cure!! I typically drink Cure during my workout and LMNT later in the day. I have been loving the Chocolate Caramel hot one and the other chocolate ones just arrived yesterday! They are perfect for an afternoon/evening “treat”.

  16. Angela Jernigan says

    So do you (or Smith) drink more than one a day? My brain is just have a hard time comprehending that much sodium!

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          Yes, you would of course, need to make sure this fits with your health, diet and lifestyle. This would be used in lieu of sports drinks, etc for those of us living very active lifestyles and not consuming adequate salt through our food (as it’s harder when you’re eating more whole food).

      • Dr. Elec says

        I don’t typically comment on blog posts but had to jump in here. Smith, a growing teenage boy, should not be ingesting 4-5k mg of sodium a day. That’s actually dangerous. I strongly urge you to speak to his physician about this & do your research. Even for you, the average healthy adult should only consume about 2,000mg of sodium a day.
        One more very important suggestion as you begin your year of wellness on the blog, add a disclaimer all over that says you have no healthcare background and aren’t legally responsible for any outcomes of your advice.

        • Mix and Match Mama says

          No one is reading this thinking I’m giving them health advice. That disclaimer has been all over the place including the fact that I’ve shared 16 years of acknowledging I know nothing 😉 . All four of my kiddos have had well visits within the last six months where their diet and exercise has been discussed. It’s a new year, we should all try to come here and be happier 🙂 .

        • Colleen MD says

          That data regarding 2000mg/day has been proven to be faulty- a result of not looking at the big picture of the other sugary, processed foods people are ingesting. Too little salt puts pressure on the kidney hormones- renin, aldosterone- and leads to even higher blood pressure and other symptoms like headaches and fatigue. The new recommendation is 4-6gm/day. And as Shay says below- this is for healthy people eating real foods. Be careful if you are eating processed foods with more salt (and sugar, preservatives, etc).

  17. Allison says

    Love this! I love LMNT and I also love Redmond Re-lyte Hydration. I drink it every single morning. It is super similar to LMNT but probably a tad less expensive.

  19. Kim Bacon says

    I LOVE LMNT! I brew a cup of coffee every morning that I add a packet of chocolate salt to, and then chill it all day to have an iced coffee in the afternoon. The new chocolate caramel flavor is delicious that way also! I know some girls who add the citrus salt to alcoholic beverages avoid dehydration when they drink. Love it.

  20. Debbie says

    I love LMNT, too! My favorite flavors are grapefruit and watermelon. I haven’t tried the chocolate, but now I want to buy some!

  21. Anna says

    Thank you for sharing this!

    Have you noticed any “swelling” at all? I need more hydration in my life, but would like to know your thoughts on this after using the product.

  22. Amanda martin says

    You are only supposed to have 2300 my of sodium max a day. So 2 is pushing it. There are much better options with less sodium.

  23. Danielle Morman says

    Shay!… you sharing your personal health journey makes me so dang excited! I am on the same journey. I am looking forward to post like these this year.
    Currently working in increasing my protein intake and water intake. I don’t take in enough fluids. period.
    Gonna try these put!

  24. Jennifer Maynard says

    Do these bubble up? My husband tried Nuun and they were so fizzy that he started getting canker sores. So trying to find something that doesn’t get fizzy.

  25. Ashley says

    I’m just so curious about the science behind consuming so much additional sodium? Do you have a Shay version on the “why” we should consume so much more? I always thought foods with too much sodium = bad. Asking to understand!

    • Allison says

      We have been conditioned to believe that, but if you go down “the rabbit hole” of why sodium to hydrate is good for you it is really interesting! Our bodies are basically oceans, lol. We sweat, pee, and cry salt water! We have to replenish. 🙂

      • Angela says

        I love this analogy, Allison!!! We ARE basically an ocean!! I love it!! That helps my brain make sense of all of this salty talk! 😜

  26. Liz M says

    As a heads up- check with your doctor if you’re taking any medication before taking this. I’m on Spironolactone for acne and cannot handle extra potassium or my kidney function could be in danger.

  27. Lizzie says

    Are these more hydrating than Smart Water or Essentia? I don’t find them salty at all. Wondering how they’re different. Thx!

      • Lizzie says

        I’m referring to the bottles of water called Smart Water and Essentia. They both have electrolytes in them, but taste like regular water.

  28. Mónica says

    LMNT is amazing!!! I discovered them while pregnant where that sodium and hydration is extra important!

  29. Kristen says

    I have stopped drinking seltzers because my dentist said they are soo bad for your teeth and cause cavities, decay, etc..

  31. Mandy says

    We love LMNT too! My teenage daughter has vasovagal syncope and a tendency to pass out, especially when she’s very active or it’s very hot (or both). Her primary triggers are heat & exertion, which is especially challenging as she plays club soccer, runs track and XC, and swims competitively and we live in SC, where it can be hot 3/4 of the year. In addition to daily medication, her cardiologist has ordered her to increase her sodium levels through salty snacks (pickles, chips, popcorn, pretzels) and drinks – we’ve been big fans of Liquid IV & LMNT over the last year and can highly recommend both! She still drinks Gatorade/Powerade during games etc. and lots of plain water but having one LMNT or Liquid IV early in the day has been helpful in her situation and we can unfortunately tell on days when she hasn’t had one. I worry sometimes about her sodium levels down the road, but for now, we’re focusing on getting in as much as we can and following the recommendations from her Dr. I have not thought of trying the chocolate raspberry in hot water though – thanks for the great suggestion! Happy New Year to you & your family!! 🙂

  32. Becky G says

    I just ordered a variety trial pack. Thank you for sharing! My chiro has me taking minerals for leg/foot cramps and LMNT has similar ingredients.

  33. Lisa Klein says

    Did it take you time to adjust to the saltiness? I love salt, but have a hard time getting these down without adding a ton of extra water!

  34. Leticia says

    Thanks for this information! LMNT’s website has many articles explaining the science behind their product.

    My mom was diagnosed with HBP in her 30’s and as a result all of us had our salt intake cut drastically. I was raised to view salt as my enemy. After reading just one article I see that many of my mom’s and us (adult) kids health issues go back to that drastic reduction! We can only do our best with the knowledge we have, and I am always open to learning more things to better my family’s health.

  35. Beth says

    I think what I find most interesting is how much this group is thinking about hydration. I find myself thinking about it a lot too, so it makes me feel like I’m in good company! My question is this, and it may have been answered before:
    What is the mug in the photos on this post? I noticed it has a couple chips but it’s obviously still in circulation, which to me says, “favorite mug.” Inquiring minds (this one at least) want to know. 😉

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Awwwww! It’s an oldie but goodie from Pottery Barn. I love the size of the handle and the actual mug. I think we bought maybe 6 to begin with and are down to three. We love them 🙂 .

  36. Ashley says

    1000mg seems like a lot of sodium. Is there some new science info about sodium I’m missing?

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Check out their website for more science behind it. I have it linked in the post for you!

  37. Suzanne says

    LMNT is so expensive compared to the bulk powders from Bulk Nutrients if price is an issue for any readers. Less convenient to have to scoop out but cheaper and less packaging. Might be a good alternative for some 😊

  38. Morgan Godbold says

    Yes! Electrolytes are so important I just switched from Ultima to LMNT, because my doctor said my sodium was low! I also struggle with restless legs which electrolytes can help with! Excited for your new health post!!

  39. Lauren says

    Just a PSA for innocent readers, sparkling water and flat water have the exact same hydrating effects 🙂 have a blessed day!

  40. Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says

    I have been using LMNT when I do my ‘long’ double digit runs on Saturdays during half training, but I’m a little afraid to take it any other time if I’m not sweating a ton due to the 1,000 mg of sodium each packet has in it. I think I read women should have 1,500 mg of sodium a day and that includes all our food we eat. I LOVE the watermelon salt one and I would love to drink it daily, because it is so good, but I’m 46 and I’m so afraid it would be WAY too much sodium (esp if I had some other bad choices that day, like fries!). This is def. something I’m curious about and I may ask my doctor when I go in March. I do love it for my longer runs for now, tho! It’s so good that I’m almost afraid it is too good to be true (just like anything else that I love to drink or eat). But, in the summer when I’m sweating a ton with this long runs, I really think it helps a lot to replenish my body! It is such a new product, I am sure more will come out about it too. I like the idea of the chocolate ones in hot water. I got a sampler pack and thought chocolate would be kinda gross room temp or cold, but ohhh gotta try it hot sometime!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  41. PH says

    I have heard great things about LMNT and reading this now makes me want to actually buy some and try. We drink plain Primo water in our house (in the 5 gallon jugs from a dispenser) – so much healthier than tap or even filtered tap water….if you look into water coming from taps/city water you’ll see how important it is to be drinking pure water!

  42. Arlene says

    LOVE LMNT!! My husband is an endurance trail runner and used them for years! I thought my workouts didn’t “need” them! However, I drink like 4 yeti fulls or more of water a day and I would habitually cramp in my workouts! Added these once a day and all of that has stopped!! Glad you’re enjoying them and excited to see all you’re learning and adding! I’ve been on the same journey the last several months!

  43. Erika Mills says

    If you want to try some without that salt taste, try Superior Electrolytes. I love the Citrus and watermelon flavor!

    I also bought one of those massive water gallons from amazon. I don’t always drink from it but I pour from it. That way I easily keep track of how many ounces versus counting cups. Two jugs a day versus 8/10/12 “cups”

  44. Angela Ellingson says

    I’ve just recently started taking electrolytes too. I need to be more consistent. My problem is I’m taking quite a few supplements and it gets to be a lot, so trying to prioritize and figure out if it’s too much and what I’m really needing.

  45. Angela says

    Thank you for sharing all of third, Shay! I’ve tried LMNT a time or two, but I’m going to check it out again and incorporate it into my day, too!! Love how you are sharing all of your tips on wellness and health!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Yes! When I am dehydrated, I feel tired, listless, thirsty (obviously), just kind of blah.

  48. Maisie says

    First time commenter, but long time follower. I also recent started making some changes to my nutrition plan (migrating to whole foods) and started drinking a ton more water. I found that i was drinking a ton of water, but still getting thirsty…meaning I probably needed some electrolytes. So I decided to give LMNT a try. I ordered a sampler packet and tried for the first time today and I love it!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Thank you, thank you for commenting!! Please comment again! Which flavor did you try? I’m legit drinking orange right this minute!

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