With the weather getting warmer, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. Not only does staying hydrated maintain proper system function but it also regulates body temperature, metabolism, and proper waste removal. Along with drinking plenty of water, here is a list of some super hydrating foods to help quench your thirst.
Cucumber- 96.7% water- Is it a fruit or a veggie? Cucumber is actually a fruit and is the most water dense one out there. Feeling tired mid-day? Pick up a few cucumber slices for a quick pick me up. They also contain plenty of B vitamins to help give you a mid-afternoon boost, and their skins are packed with vitamin C. Throw cucumber slices into ice water for some added jazz, make a cold cucumber soup for a hot day or have cucumber slices and hummus for a quick afternoon snack.
Celery–95.4% water- Not only will celery hydrate you, but it will also maintain your body’s alkaline balance. Celery’s fantastic crunch only has 10 calories per serving, which makes it an excellent snack choice for people trying to lose weight. Celery is also an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese. Celery is great in stir fry, green juice and as a snack (ants on a log, anyone?)
Tomatoes–94.5% water-High in water, vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene, tomatoes may be on the perfect foods list. Highly diverse, tomatoes can be thrown in just about anything and they will only enhance the flavor. Try a chilled Caprese salad with vegan mozzarella cheese, homemade salsa, or tomato slices with a drizzle of balsamic and a pinch of salt for a snack.
Watermelon-91.5% water- With water in it’s name, it’s no wonder watermelon made this list. Watermelon will not only help keep you hydrated, but will also help speed up your metabolism if you are trying to lose weight. Watermelon is also a great source of potassium which will help balance your electrolytes on a hot day. Plus, it’s awfully pretty in a salad, salsa, or even an infused water.
Strawberries– 91.0% water- These are definitely on the perfect food list. Packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these little guys will not only keep you hydrated but super healthy as well. Make sure to buy organic strawberries since pesticides soak into berries really easy. Toss strawberries into your morning oatmeal, into a fresh spinach salad, or eat a giant bowl of strawberries drizzled with dark chocolate for dessert!
What are your favorite ways to stay hydrated?
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Photos: Water- D Sharon Pruitt, flickr.com; Cucumber- Wikipdia; Tomatoes and Strawberries- K. Troia-Alvarado
