Water Base Food Diet

Drinking eight glasses of water a day isn't the only road to incorporating more water into your diet. Following a diet that includes water-based foods is a great way to fill yourself up, causes you to eat less throughout the day, and receive the adequate amount water your body needs. Water-packed foods mostly include fruits and vegetables, or dishes prepared with these foods.

Why Choose Water-Based Foods?

• A diet rich in water-based foods may help you to lose weight. These food groups are essential for any dieter, as they tend to be rich in fiber (which helps you to feel full as well as aid in digestion) and are low in calories. Research has also suggested that vegetarians (people who follow plant-based diets rich in fruits and vegetables) tend to weigh less than people who regularly consume meat in their diets.

Endless Possibilities

• There are hundreds of water-based foods to choose from. Popular choices include water-based vegetable soups, and vegetables, including lettuce, broccoli, squash, cucumbers, celery, and peppers. Water-based fruits include apples, watermelon, grapes, pineapple, oranges, berries, peaches, kiwi, grapefruits, and tomatoes, to name a few.

Forms

• Water-based foods can also come in the form of fruit juice, vegetable juice, or a combination of both. While dieting to lose weight, it is important to note that drinking juice, although packed with antioxidants and other nutrients, may not fill you up as much as eating whole fruit will. When following a water-based food diet, try to limit your intake of juice to 1 to 2 8-oz. glasses a day.

  The rest of your beverages should be spring or sparkling water or plain club soda. Drinking coffee and alcohol do not count as water beverages, as they are considered diuretics, which will dehydrate you. If you choose to drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages, replace each of these drinks with an 8-oz. glass of water.

A Sample Meal Plan

• The following is sample meal plan for one day. While these meals are heavily loaded with water-based foods, they also contain some protein and fat, which are both highly recommended in any diet, being essential to the body's overall functioning process and absorption of nutrients.

  For breakfast, have an 8-oz. glass of orange juice, a cup of sliced grapes, strawberries, bananas, and watermelon. Add two egg whites for protein and a slice of whole grain toast (optional). For lunch, have a 3 oz. skinless chicken or turkey breast over a salad, and include 2 cups of the following: romaine lettuce, spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and sliced bell peppers. Add a dash of vinegar and olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for flavor. For an afternoon snack, eat an apple or a whole grapefruit. For dinner, have 3 oz. of water-packed white flaky fish, such as cod or haddock, grilled or broiled with lemon. Also include a half cup each of steamed carrots, broccoli or asparagus. Add a half cup of steamed whole grain rice (optional), and for dessert, fruit of your choice.

Considerations

• Remember to always check with your doctor before beginning a new diet or weight-loss program. The following meal plan may require adjusting by your doctor or nutritionist, depending on personal factors including your caloric needs or specific health conditions.