We’ve all heard people talk about how you’re supposed to drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep well hydrated. But on certain hot summer days, that may not be enough. If you’ve ever experienced being dehydrated during a Voice Over gig or audition, not only will it affect your concentration, causing you to make more mistakes, but it’ll also affect your sound, causing more ‘pops’ on the mike. So why not boost your water intake with some healthy foods? Here’s a list of the top ten hydrating foods to keep you well hydrated this summer, courtesy of Laurentine Ten Bosch, Filmmaker for Food Matters.
1. Cucumber
At 95% water content, this crunchy summer vegetable has the highest water content of any solid food! It’s great in salads, sliced up with some dip, or blending into a smoothie, juice or cucumber soup! Cucumber also contains a little fiber and vitamin C!
2. Green Peppers
These hydrating vegetables contain 93.9% water, just slightly more than the red and yellow versions. They are also rich in antioxidants, and make a great snack with dip, sliced up in salads or stuffed with quinoa and veggies!
3. Tomato
Tomatoes make a delicious, hydrating snack, especially cherry tomatoes! Eat a handful as a snack or add them to your meal! They’ll provide a tasty pop of hydration plus lycopene and other vitamins and minerals.
4. Watermelon
Not only is watermelon a great source of water at 92%, it’s also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Serve icy cold for a satisfying Summertime snack!
5. Strawberries
91% water, strawberries are a great contributor to your water intake for the day! Delivering the most vitamin C of all berries, folate, fiber and antioxidants, they’re a great little snack to enjoy! Eat them as is, with some yogurt, in a salad, blended into a smoothie or even in a raw dessert!
6. Papaya
This gorgeous fruit tastes incredible with fresh lime juice! Plus it delivers a source of fiber and hydration with 88% water! It’s also rich in vitamin C and contains the digestive enzyme known as papain along with fibre which helps improve your digestive health.
7. Grapefruit
A juicy, tangy citrus with a powerful hydrating punch! Not only does it contain 90.5% water, it can help shrink your waistline, help lower your cholesterol, stabilise your blood sugar and potentially help reduce your cravings! Eat it straight, pop some wedges into a salad, juice with greens, blend into icy poles, or serve as a tangy granita dessert!
8. Butternut Squash
The humble, sweet and nutty squash is actually 88% water. Yet it provides over 400% of your daily requirements for vitamin A, as well as being a source of vitamin C, potassium and manganese! Roast some and serve in a salad, stuff small ones with lean grassfed mince and/or quinoa and vegetables, or turn it into a tasty dip with some bell peppers, cucumber and carrots to serve!
9. Cantaloupe
One six ounce serving (about ¼ of a melon) provides 100% of your recommended intake for vitamins A and C! Comprised of 90.2% water, it’s a nourishing snack that can contribute significantly to your water intake! Serve in a smoothie, blended with frozen banana ‘icecream’, sliced in salads, or served as part of a mixed melon salad with fresh mint!
10. Radishes
It’s not the first thing you may think of when talking about hydration, but these pretty vegetables are 95.3% water! Not only are they hydrating, but they are full of antioxidants including catechin (found in green tea!), adding a nutritious burst of spiciness and color to your plate!
What about you? What are some of your favorite hydrating foods? Please share your answers in our comments section.
And now that you’re well armed with this info, make sure to stay well hydrated! Happy Fourth of July Weekend!
For more great Voice Over tips, info on Voice Over Coaching, Bilingual Voice Over production and Songwriting, please visit the Berne Media Enterprises page.May ‘The Voice’ Be With You, and thanks for spreading the word!
For more info on Food Matters, go to www.foodmatters.tv.