Five Hydration Foods to Keep You Healthy
Photo credit: Mommy Madness
Summer is winding down, but that doesn’t mean that temperatures are getting any lower, or that you should be any less concerned with keeping yourself hydrated! You’ve probably heard that, “even when you don’t feel yourself sweating, your body is still losing water,” which is absolutely true, so when you are sweating in the summertime, you must constantly re-hydrate. In order for your body’s cells to function, they must be properly hydrated. The most classic way to hydrate is, of course, drinking water, but there are plenty of other creative (and flavorful) routes to try!
It is recommended that men consume at least 15 cups of water per day, and women consume at least 11. This is probably more than you would expect, but factor in that the term “consume” can include foods. In fact, it is advised that 20% of your daily water intake comes from food. Below are 5 water-rich foods that will help you stay hydrated, energized, and fatigue-free, even when the temperatures are high.
1. Watermelon
It’s probably no surprise that watermelon contains a great deal of water, but did you know that water makes up 92% of this fruit? For a delicious hydration treat, try blending watermelon in a blender with ice and coconut water. You’ll be cooled down and watered up before you know it.
2. Strawberries
Another hydration powerhouse, also clocking in at 92% water! Try adding some strawberries to a bowl of yogurt as a post-workout meal or a snack; yogurt is also full of fluids and high in protein and calcium. Low fat dairy products such as light milk and yogurt (or their vegan counterparts) are shown to be very effective fluid replacers and speed recovery after workouts.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain the most water out of any known fruit or vegetable. They consist of a whopping 96% water, and also possess cooling, anti-inflammatory properties. If you aren’t fond of eating cucumbers raw, try them sliced up on whole grain or gluten free crackers with a small dollop of cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese). I love sprinkling a little dill and sea salt on as well.
4. Tomatoes/Tomato Sauce
Items made with tomatoes (salsa, tomato sauce, etc.) usually contain up to 90% water. This is a quick and easy way to incorporate water into dinner or lunch for your family (just be sure to avoid tomato sauces that are heavy in cream or other fatty dairy products). Try also adding some tomato slices or grape tomatoes to your salads or sandwiches for extra water and added taste.
5. Zucchini
Zucchini clocks in at around 95% water consistency, so keep some on hand to add to your favorite recipes. In addition to being a tasty addition to soups or rice/quinoa dishes, zucchini is fantastic in healthy baking. You can also sautee it in coconut oil and toss it into any dish that you make with your tomato sauce.
Stay cool, and remember to keep drinking water!