As we all know, summertime heat causes dehydration, which is never fun… or healthy. Drinking plenty of water is a great way to stay hydrated, but there are other easy ways as well, like eating your water through hydrating foods. Keep reading to learn some tips on hydrating food choices and for some healthy recipes to incorporate hydrating foods into your diet.
Eat your water
Some foods are made up of over 90% water, making them perfect for snacking or including in meals, especially in the summer heat. Some examples include:
Tomatoes are about 95 percent water, making them a great hydrating food.
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Watermelon
- Spinach
- Romaine Lettuce
- Strawberries
Water doesn’t have to be boring – try flavored or infused water
Try mixing in lemons, limes, oranges, or other fruits to your water for extra flavor. This makes water more flavorful and fun, making it even easier to stay hydrated. Another advantage is that infused water is similar to a flavored drink bought at the store, but without all of the unnecessary added sugars. While not all of the nutrient content of these foods will be infused into the water, there is enough to boost your vitamin and mineral levels for some extra health benefits.
Look for locally grown produce
A lot of foods that have high water content are fresh produce. Whether you plan to increase your water intake by eating hydrating fruits and vegetables or infuse your water to encourage yourself to drink more, there are so many benefits of doing so with fresh, locally grown produce. Check at local farmers markets for these hydrating foods!
Put these hydration tips into action with these hydrating recipes!
- Summer Vegetable Salsa
- Water Sparklers
- Bugs on a Log
- Strawberry Spinach Salad
- Fresh Salsa
- Green Smoothie
- Fruit Kabobs with Yogurt Dip
By Kaitlyn Bayless