Summer Hydrating Foods: Don’t Just Drink, Eat Water

As temperatures soar this summer in senior living Lakewood, make sure you do not just drink water to stay hydrated. You can find water in many fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with minerals and are naturally low in calories. Hydrating foods are ideal for seniors who want to reach their fluid intake goals and who may become bloated from drinking too many pitchers of plain water. 

Try these delicious and refreshing foods on hot days:

Watermelon is an obvious choice for summertime hydration. In fact, it is almost 92% water. Watermelon is also a good source of potassium, which plays an important role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Keep a bowl of bite sized chunks in the refrigerator. Snack on watermelon throughout the day or combine it with fresh mint leaves to make a quick and easy slushie. Cantaloupe and honey dew are also high in water and may be easier to digest.

Add hydration and flavor to regular water by slicing half of a cucumber and placing it in a pitcher of plain water. You will drink more throughout the day simply because it has more flavor. Use cucumber ribbons in place of croutons on salads or toss them with plain yogurt, dill, and a little lemon juice for a delicious, crunchy side dish to go with grilled fish or chicken.

Leafy lettuces like romaine or butterhead are also more than 90% water. Make big salads that are packed with grilled chicken, fresh strawberries, and almonds for a light, satisfying meal. Add an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette to help your body absorb fat soluble vitamins A and K.

Tomatoes are another great choice. They are high in water, but also lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of prostate and heart disease. Roast cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil and garlic. In assisted living Lakewood chill in the refrigerator and then fold them into cold pasta for a make ahead meal that will taste even better the next day.

Try grilling zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers with only a little bit of seasoning. They will be done in minutes and they are a good choice because they replace electrolytes and water lost through sweating. Plus, their natural sweetness will curb your appetite for a carbohydrate loaded side dish.

Dairy is a smart choice as well. Kefir and low fat milk are about 87% water and they provide both protein and electrolytes in a single glass. Choose plain varieties and avoid fruit on the bottom yogurt and milk, which have added sugars. If dairy is a problem, almond or oat beverages fortified with calcium and vitamin D can be substituted. Keep in mind that they will not have as much protein.

Put a small bowl of frozen grapes or peach slices in the freezer. They will slowly melt in your mouth and cool you from the inside out. Plus, they are a great source of natural sugars for a gentle energy boost. 

Combine smart food choices with regular sipping-on most days, eight to ten eight ounce glasses-and you will breeze through the warmest months feeling light, clear headed, and ready for fun in the sun in assisted living facilities Lakewood.