How to hydrate without drinking more water

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 does! 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. In fact, a small amount of natural sugar can help with the hydration process, so consuming water-rich wholefoods could be just as beneficial as water. A hydrated brain works more efficiently, our bodies require hydration for all cellular activities. 

Water-rich foods 

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

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 nutrients. Consuming nutrient-dense foods like these can keep you fuller for longer. This will also assist in weight loss, increased muscle and higher energy. 

Bonus ways to sneak in water 

Looking for more ways to increase your water without a water bottle? Here are some more ideas.

• Eat soups and stews through the colder months. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try cold soups over the summer!
• 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 slushies, which will also boost your water intake.
• Make your own icy poles with blended fruits and vegetables and some water.
• Staying hydrated is just one piece of the wellness puzzle. If you’re feeling tired, suffer headaches, craving sugar, unable to focus you could be dehydrated. 
• In our clinic we can test for dehydration with a quick free urine test. Or one step further have your Bio Impedance test to determine how much water is in your cells and in your tissue. 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9694418