Do you struggle with chugging down litres of water? You’re not alone. The good news is, there are other ways to boost your water intake other than drinking straight water. Read about the importance of water here.
(I'm not saying to not drink it but here are some other ways to include water in your daily diet.)
Water isn’t just found in beverages – there is plenty to be found in wholefoods.
Does water from food count?
Many people are under the impression that water only hydrates you if you consume it straight. But the body doesn’t mind where water comes from, as long as it gets it!
When we consume water in any form, it is absorbed into the body via the small intestine. So as long as you are chewing your food before you swallow it, your body can absorb it from foods. (Do you chew? many of us gobble our food down.)
In fact, a very small amount of natural sugar can help with the hydration process, so consuming water-rich wholefoods could be just as beneficial as water. We must have adequate water for our skin to be hydrated effectively (and look less wrinkly), as well as so we can concentrate (our brain needs lots of water) and to keep our bowels regular. (Plus so many more bodily functions require H20, remember our body is made up of 70% water)
To get glowing skin and better brain function let’s have a look at some plant foods that contain plenty of water as well as other vital nutrients.
Hydrating fruits
As the summer kicks in, so does a variety of seasonal and tropical fruits. The good news is that many summer fruits are full of water, with many containing 80% or more water.
Watermelon
Cantaloupe and other melons
Grapefruit
Peaches
Strawberries
Apples
Pears
Cherries
Grapes
Blueberries
Plums
These lovely fruits can be added to smoothies, a chia pudding breakfast or eaten as a snack.
For my smoothie blog… click here
Hydrating vegetables
Lettuce
Zucchini
Radishes
Cauliflower
Eggplant
Red cabbage
Capsicum
Spinach
Broccoli
Carrot
Cucumber
Celery
The best part about water-rich foods is that they are lower in calories, but often higher in micronutrients. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like these can keep you fuller for longer.
To get the best out of your fruit and vegetables eat seasonally read why
Looking for more ways to increase your water without a water bottle? Here are some more ideas.
Blitz some of the water-rich options into a smoothie. For example, you could make a watermelon and cucumber smoothie on a hot day. You can add extra ice to turn your smoothie into a slushie, which will also boost your water intake.
Make your own iceblocks with blended fruits and vegetables and some water.
Add a fresh salad with your favourite vegetables (such as grated carrot and beetroot, or coleslaw) to each meal
Have fresh vegetables with hummus for a snack. (such as celery with almond butter.)
Eat soups and stews through the colder months. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try cold soups over the summer!
Staying hydrated is just one piece of the wellness puzzle. If you’re feeling tired all the time, or your digestion is not good no matter what you are eating - book in a session. Book here
Looking for more wellness tips? I post my newsletters onto my business facebook page each week.
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