Hydrating Foods to Keep You and Your Bump Refreshed

Baby, it’s (still) hot outside!

The switch from rain to sun and back again this monsoon season is leaving pregnant mamas parched and panting for hydration! Here are my top tips to helping you stay hydrated and cool while we wait for the weather to regulate.

Salt is not the enemy – but get the good stuff!

According to the book “What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know” by Dr. Tom Brewer, it’s important to get enough salt when pregnant. During pregnancy, the foetus has first dibs on all nutrients including salt. That means that pregnant women may actually need to consume a bit more salt to maintain the right levels of sodium and fluid in their blood. Keeping minerals balanced is key to feeling hydrated whilst reducing swelling.

But please ditch the commercial table salt. That stuff is bleached, cleaned with chemicals and completely stripped of many of the minerals that facilitate fluid regulation in the body. And don’t be fooled by the added iodine, which is largely synthetic and not well absorbed by the body.  Sea salt or Pink Himalayan Salt is a much better alternative.

Swap the coffee and soda for a ginger tea

Coffee is a diuretic and chances are you are going to feel parched after a cup. It also depletes your body of the much-needed minerals (e.g. potassium & magnesium), it requires to manage your bodily fluids. But a beautiful, fragrant ginger tea is just the ticket for a hydrating hot drink that also reduces swelling, boosts circulation and even improves digestion. And thankfully – we can always find fresh ginger in Hong Kong.

Enjoy a coconut water smoothie

A smoothie is a wonderful way to get all the juicy water content of your favourites fruits whilst adding more hydration with coconut water! Coconut water is rich in potassium making it nature’s super electrolyte drink. Mix in your favourite fruit to give you a hydrating boost. Add ice and make a slushie.  Blend it, freeze it and make a popsicle!  The possibilities are endlessly delicious!

Fancy water anyone?

My kids love fancy water, which is basically just water with some raspberries and mint.  Mint is so refreshing and on a hot day, it is so easy and delicious to knock a jug of this fancy water back in no time.  Don’t forget to drink more on those days you’ve worked out!  Pro tip: drink slowly so that your body has time to absorb it.

Choose live over “dead food”

Biscuits, crackers, muffins, energy bars and basically all processed food that comes out of a package is “dead food”. These foods are nutrient-deficient and your body requires added water and moisture to digest them. Instead, opt for live, nutrient-rich, fresh fruits and veggies, filled with water and the energy of the sun. My top favourites include cucumbers, watermelon, papaya, celery and romaine lettuce. Add some hummus to your veggies or some coconut yoghurt to your fruit and you’re good to go!

Here’s a delicious, hydrating cold soup inspired by my Spanish roots.

Thrive’s Alive and Kicking Gazpacho

Ingredients

• 1 red pepper roughly chopped
• 1 green pepper
• 1 small avocado
• 1/2 white onion
• 1 garlic clove (take out the inner root)
• ¼ long English cucumber
• 6 tomatoes (CHILLED)
• 1 glass of COLD water
• Pinch of salt & pepper
• Generous pinch of cumin
• Drizzle of red wine vinegar
• Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
• Handful of ice cubes (OPTIONAL)

Method

Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and whizz until thoroughly mixed. If you can handle spicy, you can always add a little cayenne pepper. And feel free to sprinkle some fresh coriander and parsley over the top. Enjoy with friends and family straight away!