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Diet & Nutrition

How to Eat your Water: Great Foods with High H2O [Slideshow]

Stephany

Mar 5, 2020

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GR8NESS RATING

GR8

MEH

PASS

Some of us, no names mentioned, are drinking so much water that our pee is almost colorless. But hydration is not just about the water you drink. It’s about how much water your body holds. I don’t mean in the uncomfortable, bloated way, but in a way that keeps your skin glowing and your body healthy. When your body is dehydrated, your skin cell structure deteriorates, which leads to visible signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles.

Eat Your Water

I have good news for those of you who find it challenging to drink enough water. You can eat it. If you’ve been reading up on our GR8 foods, you won’t be surprised to learn that one of the best ways to eat your water is through fruit and vegetables.

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Cucumber

Of course, cucumber. This refreshing veggie contains approximately 95 percent water. They’re also chock-full of potassium, which can help protect you from strokes. And they provide fisetin, an anti-inflammatory substance that promotes brain health. They’re great on their own, sliced as dippers, or thrown into a salad. Make a quick cucumber salad with cucumber, onions, dill, and white vinegar.

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Zucchini

The advent of spiralized vegetables has increased zucchini’s popularity as keto dieters scarf down zoodles in place of pasta. With a water content of approximately 95 percent, this veggie is also a great way to eat your water. It is also packed with fiber, vitamins C and A, potassium, and folate, making it heart-healthy as well as hydrating. In addition to zoodles, you can lightly grill marinated zucchini for a tasty side dish.

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Watermelon

Containing about 92 percent water, watermelon lives up to its name. It’s also full of nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene and antioxidants. Combine watermelon, mint, and feta for a light and refreshing summer salad.

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Celery

At 95 percent water, this ubiquitous Bloody Mary garnish packs quite a hydration-punch. As if that wasn’t enough, celery contains the flavonoid luteolin, an anti-cancer agent, and the flavonoid apigenin, which can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Toss diced celery into a salad to add crunch, use it as a low-cal dipper, and don’t forget to munch on that celery in your Bloody Mary.

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Carrots

High in fiber and 90 percent water, carrots are a hydration superstar. They’re also a good source of lutein and beta carotene, antioxidants that maintain eye health and protect against degenerative eye diseases. Add more to your diet by adding them to salads, juices, and use them as gluten-free chips to scoop up hummus or guacamole.

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Radishes

Spicy, peppery radishes clock in at 95 percent water. They are a great source of vitamin C, zinc, and phosphorus, as well as cancer-fighting isothiocyanates. They’re great in salads, but my fave is an open-face, radish, and salted butter sandwich.

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Kiwis

Bright and tasty kiwis give you tons of water and more potassium than a banana. At 85 percent water, this tropical fruit has a low glycemic index, so you get sustained energy with fewer spikes in blood sugar. They are also one of the fruits that can increase serotonin. They’re great in juices, fruit salads, shrimp salads, any kind of salad, and even just sliced on a plate.

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Peaches

There’s nothing like a fresh, juicy peach on a hot summer’s day, and that’s a good thing since this fuzzy fruit is 88 percent water. Even better, this stone fruit may play a role in preventing obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Make a quick salad with peaches, bell pepper, arugula, chopped walnuts, and the vinaigrette of your choice.

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Broccoli

A nutritional powerhouse with 92 percent water, what can’t broccoli do? It protects us against diseases with phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It can also speed up your digestion. Plus, it tastes delicious. Fresh, steamed broccoli with a spritz of lemon is a quick and easy side dish. Try kicking it up a notch by roasting it in olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and your good to go.

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Cantaloupe

Would you care for some beta-carotene and vitamin C with your water? That’s what cantaloupe’s 90 percent water gives you. It’s a fruit salad staple, and that’s okay. But, it’s also great in salsa, smoothies, and flavoring water.

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Jicama

You may be thinking, “what-a-ma?” if you are not familiar with this crunchy, slightly sweet vegetable. Jicama (pronounced hicama) contains approximately 90 percent water plus vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It adds crunch to salads but is delicious on its own with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add a little chili powder if you like it spicier (I like it spicier).

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Strawberries

The star of Mother Nature’s candy dish, sweet and juicy strawberries are a great way to eat your hydration. They contain 92 percent water, which makes them the most hydrating berry. They are rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin, which helps raise good cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol in the blood. How to eat them? If you need something more than just popping them in your mouth, you can use them to flavor your water, add them to salsa, toss in a salad, or use it as a fresh topping on almost anything you like.

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