Hydration is essential for overall health and well-being, but did you know that certain foods can also contribute to your hydration levels? Hydrating foods not only help quench your thirst but also play a significant role in keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time. From water-rich fruits and vegetables to nourishing snacks, a variety of hydrating options exist to keep you feeling refreshed and satisfied throughout this upcoming summer.
We checked in with Brett Dille, a physician specializing in nutrition, and Destini Moody, RD, sports dietitian, and board certified specialist in sports dietetics, to learn about two ultra-hydrating foods that can help keep you full and even aid in weight loss. They revealed that two of the best options are cucumbers and watermelon. Read on to find out why.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are not only low in calories but also high in water content, making them a hydrating and filling addition to any diet. With their crisp texture and refreshing taste, cucumbers are a great choice for snacking between meals or adding to salads and sandwiches.
Dille notes that cucumbers' water content is "above 95 percent and has low calorie levels. Furthermore, they have a high fiber content, which promotes satiety, thus making them ideal [for those watching their weight]."
He adds that a diet rich in high-water-content foods may help reduce overall calorie intake, which is crucial for supporting weight loss efforts.
Watermelon
Packed with a high water content and low calorie density, watermelon can help you feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories. Additionally, watermelon is rich in fiber, particularly in the rind, which further supports feelings of fullness and promotes healthy digestion.
Moody breaks down in detail why you should add watermelon to your diet for weight loss. "Watermelon is 92% water and contains the same antioxidant that you can find in tomatoes and grapes, an antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene may help protect you against heart disease and even some types of cancer," she says. Additionally, it can "help you satisfy your sweet tooth during a hot day while still staying under your calorie goal, as one cup of chopped watermelon is only 50 calories. It’s also a BBQ-friendly way to meet your fluid needs!"
Incorporating these hydrating and nutrient-rich foods into your diet can not only support weight loss efforts but also contribute to overall well-being and hydration needs, especially during warmer months.
