Health & Fitness
Water, Water, Everywhere
This summer, stay hydrated with water-rich foods. Read this article for some of our best picks, from Massage Envy Spa Edina.
WE all know that water plays a key role in maintaining healthy bodies, both on the inside and the outside. In fact, the wet stuff constitutes 65 to 75 percent of muscle and makes up about 50 percent of our total weight. But sometimes, drinking water can become, well, boring. Luckily, there are a variety of water-rich foods to complement your 64 ounces per day. “An easy way to figure out which fruits and vegetables have more water is to look at the ones that are low in carbohydrates or low on the glycemic index,” says Mikell Parsons, DC, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. “If something is juicy, it’s a good sign that it’s water-rich.”
Some water-rich foods include:
+ Squash
+ Cucumbers
+ Berries
+ Watermelon
+ Apples
+ Radishes
+ Tomatoes
Starchier foods, like potatoes, lack significant water content, which is why many people choose lighter, juicier foods in the summer. In any case, it's important to understand that you can beome dehydrated, no matter the season. “If you’re participating in activities that make you sweat, you still need to maintain water,” says Parsons. If water seems dull, try a small glass of low-fat chocolate milk in addition. Its protein, carbs, salt and antioxidants can help with workout recovery. Plus, it’s a sweet reward.
(This article by Kelly Kramer originally appeared in the Winter 2013 edition of Massage Envy Magazine.)
