Hydration has loads of benefits for your mind and body and is essential for your overall health. However, you may struggle with drinking enough water, especially if you’re a fan of coffee and other dehydrating beverages. Luckily, you have other options to keep yourself healthy and hydrated — certain foods can provide all the liquids you need and add lots of flavor to boot.
Here are some foods you can eat to help you in the hydration department so you don’t have to guzzle water all day.
1. Watermelon
Watermelon is super hydrating and contains many nutrients your body needs. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, providing around 15% of your daily dietary allowance. Watermelon is low in calories and contains over 90% water, making it the perfect way to hydrate through eating.
It also has vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B6 and lycopene, which is loaded with antioxidants. Watermelon is the perfect treat for a sunny and warm afternoon that can make you nostalgic and provides loads of benefits for your body. Add salt for an extra flavor kick.
2. Celery
Celery has a high water content with low caloric intake — it’s the perfect snack for children and an excellent source of vitamin K and potassium. Kids need extra fluids due to their activity and the sweat they produce to replenish their hydration. Most beverages — even juice — contain sugars that can contribute to cavities and hyperactivity.
Staying hydrated can help prevent cavities and ensure your child gets the nutrients they need. Fluoridated water can even make their teeth resistant to decay.
Dip some celery sticks in peanut butter as a healthy snack for them that doubles as a source of hydration. You can also cook celery in soups, stews and roasts to add a hint of its unique flavor.
3. Soy or Skim Milk
Drinking water is ideal for achieving maximum hydration, but soy or skim milk can come in handy if you struggle to drink enough water. Soda can decrease your energy levels by affecting your blood circulation and making it difficult for your body to receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs.
Milk has electrolytes and proteins that help replenish your body. Soy and skim milk are low in calories, making them excellent alternatives to whole milk or sugary beverages. You can substitute them in recipes for additional benefits or enjoy them with foods that are rich in iron like granola, cereal or nuts.
4. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are the optimal vegetable for ensuring hydration. You can put slices in your drinking water for a crisp and refreshing taste or blend them into smoothies. Staying hydrated has myriad benefits, like improving your skin health, physical performance and brain function.
Cucumbers are versatile vegetables that go with almost everything, which makes them easy to add to your diet. Up your water intake by adding them to salad, fish, pasta or sandwiches.
5. Yogurt
Plain yogurt is an excellent source of protein, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. Flavored yogurt is still good for you and can help you hydrate, but it contains added sugar that can minimize its advantages. Sugar can increase the risk of heart disease, promote tooth decay and contribute to weight gain.
Plain yogurt is another versatile food you can use in recipes to reap its benefits. Yogurt goes great in smoothies or mixed with fruits like blueberries or strawberries, which are both hydrating foods. You can also use plain yogurt as an alternative ingredient in baked goods.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce is the epitome of hydration, coming in at 95% water. Eating a salad topped with fruits and vegetables that are high in water content could help you reach your daily quota in one sitting. You can put lettuce on your sandwiches and in your smoothies in addition to the base of your salad.
You can also put lettuce in drinking water to aid sleep. Boil some water and pour it over the lettuce to help induce sleep. It doesn’t have much of a taste, but it is supposed to help you drift off. The high water content and ability to help you get enough shuteye highlight why lettuce doesn’t deserve a bad rap.
7. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese adds calcium, nutrients and probiotics to your diet. It’s low in fat and makes an excellent alternative ingredient in some favorite dishes, like macaroni and cheese and fettuccine alfredo.
You can eat cottage cheese by itself, mix it with fruit or use it as an ingredient in one of your most beloved dishes to reap the benefits of this healthy snack. You can also blend it to eliminate its gritty texture and smooth it out. It also goes great as a side dish with pasta.
8. Strawberries
Strawberries are low in calories. They’re also high in vitamin C and fiber, which makes them a healthy treat. Strawberries are an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth healthily since they’re naturally sugary and super good for you.
Strawberries can regulate your blood sugar and manage Type 2 diabetes symptoms. They can also help with weight management due to their low glycaemic index. Strawberries are a delicious way to stay on track, manage your weight and satisfy sweet cravings without blowing your diet.
9. Oranges
You know oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, and their tasty zest makes them a crowd favorite for little ones. They’re also high in water content, with 86% water and only 0.2 grams of fat per orange.
Oranges have potassium, folate, fiber and protein and take care of your daily allowance for vitamin C. You can create delicious frozen treats, like a creamsicle or an orange float. You can also use them as garnishes in your favorite beverages.
Increasing Your Water Intake With Food
Drinking water may not be your cup of tea, but you must meet your daily allowance to remain healthy and provide your body with the amount it needs. Thankfully, you can find water in many fruits, vegetables and other foods. Increase your daily intake by incorporating these delicious options into your diet and reaping the many health benefits they provide.
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