Eating for Hydration
Everyone knows the importance of staying hydrated, but drinking plain water can get a little boring. Luckily, water isn’t the only available source of hydration. There are lots of different foods with high water content for you to enjoy. So instead of just chugging another glass, try eating one of these!
Refreshing fruits
Incorporating different fruits into your diet is a great way to stay hydrated. Fruits generally have a high water content, making them a good option to help quench your thirst. For example, watermelon and grapefruit have water content over 90 percent, meaning most of their weight comes from water. They’re low in calories and high in nutritional value. Watermelon is packed full of antioxidants and electrolytes, so don’t be afraid of reaching for another slice … or three. Grapefruits are high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, making them great for your immune system and heart health.
Vitalizing veggies
Mom always said to eat all your veggies, but did you know they fill you up and quench your thirst? Veggies are a known source of nutritional value with a recommended intake of two to three cups a day. And veggies like cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers, and carrots are high in water content. One of the best and most underrated vegetables to eat for hydration is celery. It’s 95 percent water and packed full of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, vitamins, calcium, and more. If you don’t want to munch on a celery stalk throughout the day, try blending it in a smoothie or even juicing it to create celery water.
Scrumptious smoothies and salads
Smoothies and salads can be a catchall for hydration. You can add pretty much anything to them, which lets you customize the nutritional and hydrational value. Common smoothie ingredients include strawberries, spinach, raspberries, and plain yogurt, which are all high in water content. These blended drinks are a great option for any season. As for salads, lettuce itself is high in water content, though some types are lower in nutritional value. To make the most of your salad, add in other ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots that will not only increase the nutritional value of the salad but also the hydration.
Soothing soups
Everyone has a good soup recipe that they turn to when they’re not feeling well or the weather is chilly, but soups and broths are also great sources of water. Most broths are created by boiling various meats and vegetables in, you guessed it, water, making them the perfect addition to any meal. They’re highly customizable to your specific dietary needs, so you can make them exactly what you want or need.
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to be boring when you have so many different ways to eat your water!