A
A
A
With summer in full swing, it’s imperative to stay hydrated. Water is the default beverage and everyone should consume adequate amounts. Eight glasses a day is recommended, but this varies from person to person. Factors such as activity level, temperature, and diet come into play. As a rule of thumb, take your body weight and divide it by half– and then drink that amount in ounces. For example, a 120-pound woman would drink 60 oz a day.
Hydration also comes from food. Incorporating water-rich foods into your diet keeps your body hydrated and refreshed on summer days. Here are ten of the foods with the highest water content:
Read More »
1. Watermelon
2. Cucumber
3. Lettuce
4. Zucchini
5. Celery
6. Tomatoes
7. Cauliflower
8. Bell Peppers
9. Plain Yogurt
10. Broths & Soups
Usually, there’s a recipe roundup. This time we’re doing things a little bit differently and presenting ideas for how to combine these foods for maximum benefit. Any of these can be eaten as a snack or a side– but let’s explore ways to get multiple items in the same serving.
Start the day off with plain yogurt and watermelon. Watermelon is more than 90% water– hence the name. Strawberries and peaches are also hydrating, so those can be tossed in as well. Add some granola if you want more texture.
Have a salad with lunch. Lettuce is one of the most hydrating foods, clocking in at a whopping 96% water. Using lettuce as the base, add cucumber and tomatoes for a basic side salad. Bell peppers and cauliflower also make good toppings. Don’t hesitate to pile on additional veggies. Salad can easily be a meal by adding meat, tofu, eggs, nuts, or seeds.
Cucumber, celery, cauliflower, and tomatoes dipped in plain yogurt make a satiating snack. If you must have that ranch flavor, buy a pack of Hidden Valley seasoning and add it to the yogurt. Avoid buying premade dressing from the store as it has lots of additives.
Sponsored
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, White
View Deal
For pizza cravings, make a cauliflower crust and top with pureed tomatoes. Pile on the veggies for a guilt-free pizza experience. Have a slice with a glass of skim milk, which is a great drink for hydration.
Make a soup with broth. Whether it’s vegetable, beef, chicken, or bone, broths are almost entirely water. Any of the veggies on our list can be added to a soup, as can tomatoes. Instead of purchasing store-bought soup, make your own. Plain broths are available for purchase, as are bouillon cubes that can be added to water and melted on the stove.
A suggested side for any entree is cottage cheese. Filled with protein and quite hydrating, it’s a refreshing addition to a meal. And if it’s a dessert you crave? Serve frozen watermelon cubes. A berry medley and peaches also work well frozen.
How do you stay hydrated with your food? Let’s discuss this in the comments down below. We want to hear your ideas!