We’ve all heard the old saying, “drink 8 glasses of water every day for better health”. Water is an essential part of staying healthy. It keeps our internal organs healthy and our skin looking young. While this advice has been around for years, most people still find it hard to get enough water in their diet.
It may not seem like a difficult concept but sometimes it’s just hard to remember or keep track of. With jobs, kids and a variety of other obligations, it can be difficult to find time to drink those 8-ounce glasses every day. If you’re like most of us, you’ll be happy to know that there is still hope for you. What if I told you that you can get some of that water from the food you eat? Well it’s true and here’s how you do it.
Watermelon
Water: 91.5%
This one is pretty much a given. After all, it has the word right in the name. Other than its water content, this delicious fruit is also high in the powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant Lycopene, which has also been shown to help prevent heart disease. Watermelon is a summer staple that makes it a perfect snack on its own or as an addition to a fruit salad. You can even freeze cubed watermelon pieces for a sweet ice substitute in a glass of water.
Cucumbers
Water: 96.7%
Cucumbers are a delicious and healthy vegetable that are perfect for those hot summer days. They can be eaten by themselves fresh from the garden or added to a sandwich or salad. Some people prefer to sprinkle a little salt on their cucumbers. Small amounts of salt can actually help your body hydrate itself. Just be careful not to use too much since large amounts of salt can cause an unhealthy level of water retention.
Iceberg Lettuce
Water: 95.6%
Iceberg lettuce tends to get a bad reputation when it comes to nutrition. Many people tend to opt for darker varieties since they have higher levels of fiber and various nutrients. When you’re trying to increase your water intake however, iceberg is the king of lettuce. Its high water content makes it a perfect crunchy addition to any salad or wrap.
Spinach
Water: 91.4%
If you’re looking for a more nutritious substitute for Iceberg lettuce, you’ve found it with spinach. While its water content may not be quite as high, it makes up for it with its high levels of fiber, potassium and free radical fighting antioxidants. You can replace lettuce entirely or even better, combine the two for a nutritious water-rich powerhouse.
Bell Peppers
Water: 93.9%
Peppers are a great tasting snack that is not only full of water but powerful antioxidants as well. While all varieties of bell peppers contain a high amount of water, green peppers lead the pack. Peppers make a flavorful snack on their own or a great addition to any sandwich or salad.
Celery
Water: 95.4%
You’ve probably heard the old saying about celery having “negative calories”. While this isn’t exactly true, each stalk does come in at only 6 calories. Add that to its high fiber content and vitamins C, A and K, celery is an excellent vegetable for additional water intake. Top those stalks with some peanut butter for a tasty snack that is not only high in water content but a healthy way to curb your appetite.
Tomatoes
Water: 94.5%
Tomatoes are great for getting some extra water because they come in so many varieties and can be eaten in so many ways. While tomatoes can be sliced or chopped for a juicy addition to a salad, smaller varieties like cherry tomatoes are delicious on their own. They make a perfect bite-sized snack any time of the day.
Strawberries
Water: 91%
There’s no denying that strawberries are delicious. If you’ve ever eaten a strawberry straight from the garden on a warm summer day, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The juicy explosion of flavor makes strawberries an irresistible snack that is both hydrating and healthy. Their high levels of carbohydrates and protein make them a refreshing snack to get rehydrated after a tough workout. Eat them by themselves or as a tasty addition to yogurt or a smoothie.
By no means should you use these foods as an excuse to stop drinking water entirely. You should still try to drink a good amount of water throughout the day, especially on those hot summer days. It would be pretty difficult to get all of the water you need through food alone. As a good rule of thumb, you should drink half your body weight in water per day. Simply take your body weight, divide by two and that is the number of ounces you need to drink, and that is only the minimum so stay healthy with your water.
Sources:
Image courtesy of Somchai Som at
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http://fitmencook.com/how-to-eat-your-eight-glasses-of-water/
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