Stay Hydrated this Summer

With the weather warming up, it's more important than ever to stay hydrated. But if the idea of downing 8 glasses of water doesn't appeal to you, have no fear: Although it's recommended that women over 19 get at least 2.7 liters of fluids per day, that includes all fluids, not just water--and food can provide a significant chunk of that. So if you're trying to increase your intake of fluids, add these hydrating foods to your diet to get a boost:

1. Cucumbers: The flesh of cucumbers is primarily composed of water but also contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help soothe skin irritations and reduce swelling-which is why cucumbers are often used to help swollen eyes and sunburn.




2. Tomato sauce: It may vary depending on the brand, but most store-bought tomato sauces are about 90 percent water. Plus, one half-cup serving of tomato sauce has only 50 calories and zero grams of fat, while the same amount of creamy Alfredo sauce weighs in around 200 calories and 18 grams of fat.




3. Eggplant: Eggplants have all the qualities of an excellent weight-loss food: They're high in fiber and water but low in calories . Just avoid recipes that involve frying. Eggplant's spongy texture means it will absorb a lot of oil and as a result, negate the calorie advantage.




4. Watermelon: A 2009 study at the University of Aberdeen Medical School found that the combination of salts, minerals and natural sugars in some fruits and vegetables can actually hydrate people more effectively than water or even sports drinks. Watermelon was on top of the list, thanks to its 92 percent water content and essential rehydration salts calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.




5. Pineapple: This exceptionally juicy fruit is packed with bromelain, a mixture of compounds with potent anti-inflammatory powers. In other words, eat pineapple now and you may avoid pain meds in the future.




6. Apples: You've heard it before: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But this juicy superfood has also been linked to lower cholesterol levels, weight loss and preventing a host of chronic health woes—cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, and even certain cancers.




7. Celery: Crunchy celery is 96 percent water, but it also provides a combination of mineral salts, amino acids and vitamins that research shows may hydrate your body twice as effectively as a glass of water.




8. Chicken noodle soup: This flu-fighting formula can seriously hydrate you when you need it. Each cup has about 840 milligrams of sodium to help you retain the broth and 14 grams of carbohydrates to help you absorb it.




9. Mango: Mangoes provide a lot of bang for your caloric buck (only 135 calories per mango), and they're a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, plus fiber.




10. Mixed green salads: Most lettuce greens contain 94 percent water, making it a low-energy density food. In other words, you'll feel fuller on fewer calories and lose weight faster.