The summer heat can take a lot out of you, especially water. Staying hydrated in the summer months can be a challenge. Water makes up 60% of your body and is important for how it functions. Water helps to regulate our body temperature, prevent infection, bring nutrients to cells, and get rid of waste. Without enough water, you could have difficulty with sleep, memory, mood, and digestion. Common signs you might be dehydrated are dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, and headaches.
But how much water do we need? It may vary from person to person and depends on heat, humidity, and activity level. Ask your dietitian to find out how much you may need.
Did you know you can get water from the food you eat? Drinking enough water can be difficult but raw fruits and vegetables typically have a high water content. Here are some foods with the most water in them.
- Vegetables:
- Cucumber
- Iceberg lettuce
- Celery
- Radishes
- Romaine lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini & summer squash
- Asparagus
- Bell peppers
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Fruits:
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Information gathered & adapted from:
https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/15-food-that-help-you-stay-hydrated
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 small onion, diced (white or red)
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Optional: dill, parsley, basil
Directions
- Slice cucumbers into about 1/4 inch thick pieces.
- In a bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, onion, tomato, white vinegar, water, salt, and optional herbs. Mix the ingredients together.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for about 1 hour. Serve cold.
Recipe makes: 4-6 servings
Nutrition Information:
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Recipe adapted from:
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Cucumber,_Tomato,_and_Onion_Salad
