Hydration is key, exclamation mark. I am talking about overall health and well-being. Dehydration will always show up on our skin first and it really is an indicator we are doing something wrong. If our diet is balanced and we make an effort to hydrate ourselves, we should be able to admire our glowy and healthy skin every day. By now everyone knows it is crucial to drink 2l (8 glasses) of water daily, but is that all we can do? There are plenty of ways to stay hydrated that aren’t water and if you are interested, keep on reading.
Fruit, Veggie & Fresh Herbs Infused Water
We already know how important water is, but some of us don’t like the taste of water, really. First thing I always pin point is the simplest thing ever – buy yourself a beautiful bottle you are going to carry around. There are amazing ways of making your water taste so much better. If you add lemon slices, strawberries or herbs to your water, you might be surprised of how much water you are going to drink during the day. My personal favourite combination is: cucumber slices, mint and lime slices or strawberry and basil.
Cold Pressed Juices & Smoothies
If you want to combine meals with hydration, you can try to combine your favorite flavors into one nutritionally-packed glass of smoothie. I was into smoothies a lot, I still love them, but now I am just in that period of my life where I love cold pressed juices just a little more. In both smoothies and juices you can combine your favourite with your least favourite flavours and that is what makes them magical. For example, you can mask a little beetroot, boring celery with your favourite sour fruit. Celery stalks are around 95% water, they are high in fiber and rich in minerals including potassium and vitamin K.
Coconut Water
Green Tea
While it contains caffeine, green tea still has a number of health benefits that potentially outweigh its caffeine content. Rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, green tea can help your body fight damage from free radicals. It has been associated with helping reduce the chances of heart disease, as it helps bring down cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Green tea has also been shown to increase your metabolism and increase fat burning. But, pay attention that the recommended consumption by adults is around two to three cups per day. I consume green tea in the morning, instead of coffee and I love to boil it with fresh ginger.
Citrus Fruits
Just like cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes, citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines) have a high water content (oranges are 87% water and grapefruits are 88%). Water-rich foods are filling, but low in calories. At least once a year I detox by drinking cayenne pepper lemonade, but you can incorporate that daily, or once a week, instead of one meal.
Water Packed Fruits
Leading in the world of thirst quenchers here comes the queen, watermelon. Based on its name, this fruit is made up of 92% water. But its salt, calcium and magnesium is what makes it ideal for rehydration. My favourite creative way of eating watermelon is in form of delicious and satisfying popsicles. Berries, especially strawberries are the ones we can’t forget since they contain 92% water as well and are loaded with fiber and vitamin C.
Eat Your Greens
Greens, greens, greens. We all know how important is to eat your greens daily. But are we really aware how hydrating they are? I mean it is obvious they are, how light and refreshed you feel after a bowl of salad? Various salad greens including radicchio, butterhead, romaine, arugula and spinach are incredibly nutritious and still up your hydration. Iceberg lettuce may be 96% water, but it’s not known for much else in the nutrition department.
