Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Stay hydrated
Simple right? Just drink more water and you’ll stay hydrated! It’s true; drinking water, seltzer, tea, and even coffee (in moderation) will give you your base of water needed in a day. But consider these water rich foods which, when added to your diet, will give you an added boost of hydration!
Tomatoes are 97% water and perhaps the most hydrating food due in part to the presence of lycopene. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps the skin specifically. It has also been shown to increase procollagen which can reverse skin damage.
Citrus fruits are about 89% water. They also contain flavonoid antioxidants and a healthy boost of vitamin C, an immunity booster. Check with your doctor and be careful before eating grapefruit, as many medications can negatively affect you. Mangoes are another fruit that contains about 80% water along with generous fiber. Eat in moderation as it is high in sugar content.
Cucumbers we all know are mostly water. They also have vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. Make a quick pickle recipe with onions and vinegar for a bigger vitamin boost! Add to a crudité tray or just slice and eat with a bit of sea salt.
Soup is another big hydration booster. Broth based soups like minestrone or other vegetable-based soups give great hydration as well as fiber and vitamins. Be careful of processed and canned varieties, they contain a lot of sodium which is de-hydrating. Make your own quick soup with packaged sodium free broth. Just add your own fresh vegetables and perhaps some chicken for a protein punch.
Oatmeal is also a great hydrating food, believe it or not! You need to hydrate oatmeal to eat it. Some of the water does evaporate but it still contains more water than dry cereal with just a bit of milk. Oatmeal also contains soluble and insoluble fibers that help those who suffer from diarrhea which can be dehydrating.
Like with any lifestyle change, consistency is key! So adding some or all these foods to your daily water intake will help keep you hydrated. Results will come in time and will give you better mental clarity along with preventing headaches often caused by dehydration.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
