Winter is upon us and combating the freezing cold temperatures and wind plays havoc with our skin and lips. With the falling temperatures your skin and lips lose their ability to protect themselves against the cooler, dryer winter elements. I for one have had difficulty keeping my skin and lips hydrated. You are what you eat so you will definitely want to include these water heavy foods in your diet to prevent dehydration. These foods were already in my diet, but I have increased the amount I eat. I can tell you between them and additional water intake I have seen a real difference. Now this is not a hit it and quit it solution, eat these foods frequently throughout the winter for them to be effective.

Citrus fruits like orange juice and grapefruit are about 89% water. Purchase 100% Florida orange juice and it will still be 89% water. Other citrus fruits like grapefruit will have similar levels. Besides the added water, you will benefit from the abundance of immunity boosting properties like vitamin C and antioxidants, which help keep colds away. Just make sure any medications you are taking would have no negative interaction with citrus fruits. Check with your pharmacist if you are uncertain.

Cucumbers are made of 95% water and will help hydrate the skin, they also contain vitamins and nutrients that can rid the body of excess fluid. Cucumbers are not only water packed but loaded with vitamin C that again help flush the body of toxins and keep skin healthy enough to withstand extreme temperature changes.

Mangos aside from being fibrous and starchy have a water content of more than 80%. Add some slices to your oatmeal or enjoy a mango smoothie. However, be aware that mangos are high in sugar which can shorten DNA protein structures called telomeres. These structures protect against dehydration of your chromosomes. Adding foods like seaweed, nuts, and other fruits lengthen telomeres.

Good old oatmeal, this was a staple in my household growing up and continues to be so today. To be clear, I am speaking of Old-Fashioned Oatmeal, not the five-minute kind which has been stripped of its beneficial fiber. Oatmeal is not only a comfort food but is also a way to increase your water intake. In order to cook oatmeal, you have to add water. Even though much of the water evaporates during the cooking process a runnier oatmeal will still yield more water content than a bowl of dry cereal with milk. As well oatmeal provides filling soluble and insoluble fibers that will bulk up your stool.

Stone fruits like peaches believe it or not are water heavy and can exceed 90% water content. An added benefit aside from the water is the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber stone fruits contain.

This is the season for soup which when made with broth like chicken and vegetable provide an excellent source of water. Try making minestrone or vegetable soup with these broths. Stay away from canned or packaged soups as they are high in sodium, defeating your whole purpose. High sodium causes dehydration of the skin and makes skin appear more wrinkled and less supple. That type of skin is prone to cracking and chafing when battling winter elements of cold and wind.

The most hydrating food of those mentioned are tomatoes, due mainly to their lycopene content. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that is specific to skin protection. Tomatoes are versatile and can be used a number of different ways in cooking. Tomatoes are 7% water and help protect your skin from UV damage which can be responsible for drying of the skin and lips.

A healthy diet is your first defense against dehydration, drink at least six big glasses of water per day and load up on foods rich in essential fatty acids like olive oil, salmon, whole grains, eggs, and spinach. Make sure to include the aforementioned foods in every meal and snack to help stay hydrated. Hydration is important for many things, even mental clarity and prevention of headaches. Enhance your lifestyle by increased consumption of these hydrating foods.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖