As the weather gets warmer, it’s a good time to think about hydration. That’s because we sweat to help us cool down, so we need to replace the fluids that we lose through sweat. Plus, most adults only drink about half the amount of water required each day in the first place.
To help keep up with your fluid needs, fill a big water bottle in the morning and try to drink it by mid-day. Then refill it and repeat. Plus, drink water with each of your meals. In addition, include water-rich fruits and veggies at meals and snacks. Foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, and grapes count toward your fluid intake.
If you’re exercising outside, make sure to hydrate before, during, and after your workout. If it’s scorching and humid out and you’re drenched in sweat, you may need a sports replacement drink. These contain added sugar to help you hydrate faster, but they’re the right choice if you’re exercising outside in the heat for a prolonged time.
On the other hand, if you’re exercising in an air-conditioned space, you probably don’t need this type of drink, unless you’re working out without breaks for more than an hour.
Another advantage of fruits and vegetables is that their nutrients can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. For example, compounds in watermelon, berries, and red grapes accumulate in the skin and help offer additional natural sun protection. (You still need sunscreen, though!)
And antioxidants in fruits, veggies, and other plant foods can protect your skin against free radical damage. Free radicals are molecules that are produced in response to sunlight, and they cause damage to your cells that can result in wrinkling and other signs of aging. They may also be involved in the formation of skin cancer. Eating plenty of plant foods can help neutralize these molecules and protect your skin from these effects.
While fruits and vegetables are abundant in the summer months, frozen produce is just as healthy, and you’ll get these same beneficial substances whether you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market or the freezer section of your supermarket.