How is your hydration going this summer? I am drinking a tonnnnn of water and filling up on fluid-rich produce while being 32 weeks pregnant in this heat! I have experienced dizziness and being extremely light headed, it was not fun and is a reminder as I am pregnant I need more fluids! At 32 weeks our baby boy is the size of a cantaloupe. So I went into the cantaloupe field at our family’s farm, Duffield’s, to document this week.
Fluids can also be found in fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, lettuce, and tomatoes are high in water content. The fruit salad (below) is a great addition to your summer BBQ to help your friends and family to stay hydrated along with tasting good and providing tons of vitamins (HELLO VIT C!) and minerals (HELLO POTASSIUM).
Here are some key points to make sure you are staying hydrated:
Why is hydration so important?
- We need to replace lost fluids after we go to the bathroom (#1), sweat, and from breathing.
- Water makes up more than half your body weight–Every body system depends on fluid
- Nutrients are carried to cells by fluid
- Keep your body temperature normal
- Prevent heat exhaustion and stroke
- To lubricate and cushion joints
- Protect tissues
What are signs that I need more fluid?
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Dark urine color
- Little to no urination
- Dry mouth
- Headache
How much fluid do we need?
- Normal person: about half your body weight in ounces [Ex: 140lb person = 70 oz) OR 30ml/kg (ex: 140lb (63.6kg)=1909ml (1.9 liters or 64 oz)]
- Check with your doctor for your amount if you are on any meds (ex: diuretics) or have any health conditions (especially heart, kidney, or liver problems that make you retain water)
Hydration Fruit Salad
Course: Appetizers, Healthy Tips, Snack4
servings10
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1/2 large cucumber, some skin removed
1/2 cantaloupe
1/4 large watermelon
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/2 lime juice
Directions
- Using a melon baller, scoop fruit and cucumber into a bowl.
- Squeeze lemon juice on top.
- Mix in mint leaves.
- Enjoy this refreshing hydration salad.
Cantaloupe Nutrition Tips
⬆️vit C: prevent damage from excess free radicals; enhances iron absorption; required for collagen production for skin and bones; help produce serotonin
⬆️vit A: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory; important for eye health
⬆️potassium: can help lower blood pressure {used with a low salt diet}; important electrolyte to help conduct electrical charges within the body; helps reduce kidney stone risk
⬆️luteolin {flavonoid}: anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties, and memory enhancer
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