Proper Hydration Through Holiday Eating

Last updated on Wednesday, November 22, 2017

(GREENWOOD) - As the holidays approach, Indiana American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, is encouraging everyone to include water-based foods in their holiday dinner spread to aid in healthy eating habits and proper hydration this year.

Water is often called, "the elixir of life." Proper hydration does not just come from drinking water. While the daily intake of water is the main source of keeping your body hydrated, there are other sources you should also consider in your diet.

"When you realize that up to 60 percent of our bodies is composed of water, it shouldn't surprise anyone that proper hydration is a key to many different aspects of our health," explained Indiana American Water President, Deborah Dewey. "Drinking plenty of water, eating foods rich in water and cutting down our intake of harmful foods and drinks is something we can all do to lead a healthier life."

This Thanksgiving and holiday season, those preparing lunches and dinners should consider using grapefruit, watermelon, cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, cantaloupe, cauliflower, tomatoes, strawberries, celery, broccoli or spinach as appetizers or meal additions. All of these options are 89 to 96 percent water based and will provide extra hydration this holiday season.

Harvard Medical School notes, "A healthy person needs 30 to 50 ounces of fluid per day. Drinking fluids is crucial to staying healthy and maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles. Fluids carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation."

Additionally they tell readers that older adults often don't get enough fluids and are more at risk for dehydration. Providing water-based snacks, appetizers and food in meals will help combat these risks.

If fruits and vegetables are not your thing, there are other ways to get more water into your food as well, including:

Herbal Teas: drinking tea, while identified as a diuretic, won't dehydrate you and can be a good alternative way to consume water.
Diluted Fruit Juice: adding things like diluted fruit juice can help in the daily consumption of water.
Low-sugar Popsicles: use snacks like low-sugar popsicles to gain additional water intake throughout the day

"The value of water is so important to all of our daily lives. Here at Indiana American Water, we continually work to provide quality water service through infrastructure investment and the experience, knowledge, and attention to detail by our employees all across the state," explained Dewey. "This holiday season we hope everyone is able to enjoy great foods and stay hydrated while they enjoy time with friends and family."

About Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.3 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 131st anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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