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Eat to Quench Your Thirst

Eat to Quench Your Thirst

Water or a light sports drink are obvious solutions to the parched tongue that often goes hand-in-hand with a tough workout. But have you ever thought about eating to hydrate your body?
 
Some experts say food can also have an impact on your daily fluid needs, making water less of a forced effort and more of an everyday habit.
 
While the debate for daily water needs rages on, many health gurus are sticking with a flexible approach that allows people to recognize that fluid needs may differ from person to person. This might be where food steps in as a source of fluid. Foods like lean meats, poultry, fish and water-packed fruits and veggies can all contribute to one's daily fluid needs. The bonus is that food also encourages people to consume more liquids in order to wash down a meal, so it’s a win-win situation.
 
Fruits and veggies, like bananas, broccoli, cucumbers, watermelon and apples are all ideal pre- and post-workout snacks, and, given their thirst-quenching benefits, it looks like they may also lend a hand in re-hydrating your body after a tough sweat session.
 
Don't throw out your water bottle. Be sure to keep it handy during a workout. Food may be a bonus, but liquids are always necessary.
 
What’s your favorite pre-or post-workout snack? [CNN]

Posted: 9/18/08
aliciak

I always pack a dried fruit and nut mix when I'm biking. Often afterwards though I'm only thirsty...it takes a while for me to build up an appetite.

  • By aliciak
  • on 10/1/08 11:59 PM EST
LauraLee311

My favorite pre-workout snack is two turkey sausage patties with light syrup and some sort of fruit, lately it's been grapes or mangos. I know it's cheating a little bit with syrup, but it's a combination I absolutely love! I work out in the evenings right after work, so by the time I get home and shower, it's dinner time.

carolineshannon

Oh, aren't grapes so wonderful?! A quick pre-workout snack for me is a 1/2 of an energy bar or a small bit (about 1/2 cup) of whole grain cereal. Post-workout? I gotta eat! And it needs to be pretty balanced, like some egg whites with whole grain toast and fruit.

Lizzie314

Grapes. I have an obsession with grapes like no other...and a lot of it has to do with how much juice they have. So yummy and hydrating!