Eat Your Water

 

The forecast for Toronto today and all week is stupid, gross, disgusting hot and humid.  Perfect time to discuss hydration!

Most people know that it is important to drink water, so I am always surprised how many people don't.  A life of sweetened beverages has left some people with a distaste for what is really, the most important nutrient we all need! Water is considered plain and boring, so when faced with water versus pop or juice, most people will pick the latter options.  This is a big mistake because drinking calories is the best way to add extra pounds, and sweetened beverages are associated with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, etc.

You can, as I am sure you already know, lightly flavour your water with cucumber and lemon slices, or even naturally flavoured, stevia-sweetened water enhancers, but if that doesn't float your boat, fear not, you don't actually have to chug water to get the hydration you need.  Yeah, that's right, turns out the whole 8 glasses of water a day recommendation is bull.  In other good news, caffeine isn't nearly as dehydrating as we once thought, so coffee and tea (leave out the cream and sugar), are actually hydrating.  Alcohol is a diuretic, however, so beer, wine and cocktails are not a good choice.

The best news yet for you water haters out there, is that pretty much all of your hydration needs (but please do sip some water while working out, especially if you do endurance exercise), can be gotten from food.  Yes, you can eat your water!

Some of the foods with the highest water content and lots of health benefits include (source):

Cucumbers have the highest water content of any solid food at 97 percent.

Iceberg lettuce may not have the highest nutrient rating, but it is 96 percent water.

Celery has folate and vitamins A, C, and K and is also 96 percent water.

Radishes have high-antioxidant content and also a water content of 95 percent.

Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene and have a water content of 95 percent.

Red, yellow, and green peppers all have about 92-93 percent water content.

Cauliflower may look pale and devoid of nutrients, but it is actually filled with vitamins and phytonutrients and is 92 percent water.

Watermelon can thank the powerful cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene for its red hue and is 92 percent water.

Spinach is rich in lutein, potassium, fiber, and folate and is 91 percent water.

Berries are all great sources of water, hovering in the high 80th percentile, but strawberries have the highest water content with 91 percent.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which means it is great at fighting cancer cells, but it is also 91 percent water.

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C and contains 90 percent water.

Did you notice anything? Yep, they're all fruits and veggies.  So drop the slurpee and grab some fresh produce.  Just another reason (to add to the 6 million others) to eat your veggies!!