Summer Hydration Hacks: 15 Surprising Foods to Quench Your Thirst
Beat the Heat with These Hydrating Eats
Staying hydrated during the summer months can be a real challenge. With temperatures soaring and schedules getting busier, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. But what if we told you that certain foods can make a significant dent in your hydration goals?
Sweet Treats for Hot Days
- Ice Pops: These frozen childhood favorites are a great way to replenish fluids. Depending on the size and ingredients, you can expect to take in a significant amount of water from juice- or dairy-based ice pops.
Chilled Out Soups
- Chilled Soups: When it’s too hot for a steaming bowl of stew, try a chilled soup instead. Look for soups that contain high-water fruits and veggies, and avoid those with too much salt.
Fresh Fruits and Veggies Galore
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Watermelon: With a whopping 92% water content, watermelon is the perfect summer snack. One cup contains nearly 5 ounces of fluid!
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Strawberries: Enjoy a handful of fresh, juicy strawberries for a boost of hydration. With 91% water content, strawberries are a great way to stay hydrated.
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Citrus Fruits: Oranges and grapefruits may be winter fruits, but they’re perfect for summer hydration, with around 90% water content.
Savory Delights
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Summer Squash: This veggie is a go-to for adding fluid through food, with an impressive 95% water content. Raw is best for maximum hydration.
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Tomatoes: With 94% water content, tomatoes are a no-brainer for restoring fluid balance. Fresh tomatoes contain the most water, so try them sliced with olive oil and basil for a light dinner side.
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Leafy Greens: From iceberg lettuce to romaine and spinach, these leafy greens are packed with water. Salads are an excellent lunch or dinner swap for a hydrating meal.
Crunchy Snacks
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Cucumbers: For a hydrating veggie snack, get cool with cucumber. One cup will give you 4 ounces of water.
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Celery: With 95% water content, celery is a super-hydrating snack. Replenish your fluid stores with celery in salads or soups.
Colorful Additions
- Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers pack 92% water and are loaded with nutrients. A single red pepper supplies almost 4 ounces of fluid.
Palate-Pleasing Options
- Eggplant: This purple veggie is one of the top veggies in terms of water content, with 75% per cup. Grill a large batch and keep extras in the fridge for healthy snacking.
Protein-Packed Hydration
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Drinkable Yogurt: With 75-88% water content, yogurt can help you reach your daily fluid target. Add frozen fruit to make it a smoothie and up the water content even more.
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Eggs: Yep, eggs are 75% water! Opt for egg whites for extra hydration.
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Potatoes: These starchy veggies boast an unexpected three-quarters water content. Bake or roast them to get the most out of potatoes.
Remember, Food Alone Can’t Replace Water
While these foods can make a significant dent in your hydration goals, they shouldn’t replace your cups of water. Enjoy these hydrating eats as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water too!
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