Well, the worst of the summer heat has passed, and that means we are all bursting to get outside and walk, hike, bike or just plain play in the balmy weather. In point of fact, temperatures in the 80s and 90s, no matter how nice they feel after our blistering summer, can still dehydrate you in a hurry.

Happily, there’s some new research coming out that discusses the value of gel water and staying hydrated through your diet.

So first, what is gel water? Also known as structured water, this liquid (like a thin jelly) is found in and around plant and animal cells, including the cells in the human body. That’s why scientist think it might work better to hydrate us than just plain water, since our cells are already used to thicker mix. Several plants have an abundant supply of the gel, including aloe, melons, greens and chia seeds. They also have a whole host of other nutrients that are beneficial to our bodies. Before adding aloe or chia to green smoothies, please look up the proper preparation methods!

Second, there are a whole list of plants and veggies that provide plenty of gel hydration as well as a whole host of phytonutrients. Darn, it turns out mom was right when she told us broccoli and carrots were good for us! The list of healthful menu items includes:

Veggies:

  • Cabbage
  • Celery
  • Spinach
  • Pickles
  • Squash (cooked)
  • Carrots
  • Lettuce
  • Broccoli (cooked)
  • Potatoes (baked)

Fruit:

  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Cantaloupe
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon
  • Bananas

Note: When you sweat a lot, you also loose considerable amounts of salt. We aren’t suggesting you become a salt junky, but add a tiny pinch to a green drink, salad or potato can actually be good for you. Adding a bit of salt also boosts the intestines ability to absorb nutrients by matching the salinity of the body.

How Much Water?
The body of a human is made up of approximately 65-80% water. An average adult will lose 2.27 – 2.59 quarts of water every single day. That water has to be replaced in one way or another. There are many different opinions on how much water you should be drinking every day, however, many health experts recommend roughly eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. However, there are calculators out there online to help you figure precisely how many ounces you need per day based on your weight and other factors.

Infuse Your Water?
Many people find it difficult to drink enough water, mainly because it is boring! But water doesn’t have to be dull. Try infusing a pitcher of water with fruits, herbs and other flavor to spice things up — cucumber, lemons, limes, strawberries and fresh herbs can create exciting tastes.

Freeze It!
Take that same infused water and freeze it into ice cubes, so when you are in a hurry, you have a fast way to flavor plain water.

Can Water Help You Lose Weight?
A reasonable water intake can help with weight loss. You need around half a cup of water for every 100 calories you burn. Drinking before eating may help you lose weight because the brain can
generate energy from water and food.