Yes, eat your water.
I know that sounds a little strange, but it is definitely what we all should do more of to stay hydrated and healthy. For most of our lives, we have all been told that we must drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain good health and to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, like a lot of the best health recommendations, many of us don’t get enough water and often find it difficult to get those 64oz in every day. On top of that, many people also don’t even like water!…crazy right?! The good news is there are other ways to stay hydrated without “drinking”. We can eat our water as well.
First, lets take a brief look at the importance of hydration. Our bodies are more than half water and therefore we depend on water to survive and function properly. Water helps our bodies detox and remove waste, regulate body temperature, lubricate our joints and stay satiated (which is great for all those looking to decrease weight, because the more satiated you are the less likely to overeat!). These are some of the more common and known reasons to drink and stay hydrated, but the benefits go far beyond that.
Healthy hydration also helps decrease high blood pressure and cholesterol. For those with skin issues, like eczema, psoriasis or acne, water helps the skin stay moisturized and eliminate toxins so can have that skin “glow”. It decreases constipation, fatigue, kidney infections as well as speed up joint repair and more. Overall, we NEED water!!
So, how can we make sure we get enough? Many foods are made up of majority water. And since another reason many people don’t get enough, is due to the sometimes frustrating side effect of having to run to the bathroom – frequently. The H2O in food is confined within it’s structure, so when we eat instead of drink, it stays in our system longer due to the slower absorption. Therefore running to the bathroom becomes less of a “must do” activity. We also get more fiber and nutritional benefits that are already in that food’s make up. The icing on the cake is taste and variety!
The ways to enjoy these foods are endless so I charge you to pick one or all of these foods, find a recipe and Eat Your Water! Here is a classic and delicious Cucumber & Tomato Salad, a 2 in 1!
Ingredients:
• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Sea salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons whit balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon Mustard – sugar free of course.
Directions:
In large salad bowl combine cucumbers, tomatoes and onion. Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over cucumber mix to toss and coat.
Enjoy!!
