How To EAT Your Water With These 5 Hydrating Foods

Who ever said you couldn’t have your water and eat it too?

It is true that a large glass of water is perhaps the best known way to hydrate but it’s not the only one. You might be the type of person that doesn’t like the taste of tap water or simply object to the hassle, cost, environmental impact or inconvenience of bottled water. Of course you can always infuse your drinking water with delicious fruits like lemons and strawberries but there is another way.                                                                       

Did you know that there are some water-rich foods that can help you maintain your H2O balance in addition to your regular daily water intake?

In fact, the Institute of Medicine estimate that around 20% of your daily water intake comes from food. This could be from things like yoghurt and soup, but these often add extra sugars and calories to your diet.

The other way to do this is to load up on water-filled fruits and vegetables that are low on calories but high in hydration. This means that you also get the added benefit of extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

The following list includes 5 of some of the most hydrating foods available today. Each item contains over 90% water by weight.

1. Watermelon - Water Content: 91.5%

It is not really that surprising that watermelons weigh in as a major contender in being one of the best thirst quenchers. Given its name, it is probably of no surprise that the watermelon is almost 92% water. However, the remaining 8% is not too bad either, consisting of calcium, potassium magnesium, vitamin A and vitamin C.

2. Strawberries - Water Content: 92.0%

Strawberries are naturally sweet, make the perfect snack or treat and are perfect at hydrating your body. They are 92% water, which is the most water content of any fruit from the berry family. Aside from this, strawberries are a good source of fibre and loaded with vitamin C. 

3. Celery - Water Content: 95.4% 

This has to be one of the most under rated vegetables around today. The humble celery stick is often no more than chicken wing garnish or used as a hummus dip. This seems like such a wasted opportunity when you consider that celery sticks are almost 96% water, high in fibre and rich in minerals such as vitamin K and potassium. OK, so they are not exactly packed with nutrients, but they are not calorie-dense either. Besides, it has a nice crunchy texture with a refreshing taste that makes it fun to snack on.

4. Iceberg Lettuce - Water Content: 95.6%

The Iceberg lettuce is not known for too much in terms of nutrition but is almost 96% water. While it doesn’t have as many nutritional values as some of the other leafy heavy hitters like spinach and kale it is only 20 calories per serving. This makes it something that is worthwhile to eat on occasion along with foods that are dense in nutrients. 

5. Cucumbers - Water Content: 96.7%

It does not really matter how you slice or dice ‘em - cucumbers are full of water! Even if you put aside the fact that they are almost 97% water, cucumbers also contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, they are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin K and iron. 

Cucumber, watermelon and strawberry bites, anyone?

How Much Water Should I Be Drinking Anyway?

Between 55-65% of your total body weight is water. It is what helps our body regulate its temperature, lubricates your joints and transports nutrients to where they are needed. 

The Institute of Medicine is a non-profit, independent scientific organization and recommend the daily water intake of 3.7 litres for adult men and 2.7 litres for adult women. This applies to generally healthy adults, who live a sedentary lifestyle in temperate climates. 

The water-based fruits and vegetables mentioned in this article are just some ways that can help you meet your daily hydration needs.

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