Staying hydrated sounds like a simple health goal to achieve. Yet, for some reason, drinking enough fluid seems to be a major challenge for many of us. Whether we are too busy to remember to sip, we don’t have access to beverages 24/7, or we underestimate how much sweat we will produce in warm weather or during exercise, staying hydrated is not so easy for many of us.
However, if you’re not a fan of plain water or are simply terrible at remembering to bring your liquids with you when you are on the go, the good news is that you can actually “eat” your way toward hydration! While consuming an adequate amount of fluids is important, there are some water-rich foods that “count” as fluid and help you stay hydrated too.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Hydration
Why Hydration is So Important
We all know that eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits and veggies is incredibly important for supporting our overall health. But neglecting your hydration can cause some unsavory effects that you need to be aware of, even if your overall diet is perfectly balanced.
Sixty percent of our bodies are made up of water. And specifically, 95% of our brains are made up of this liquid. We need to take in water in the form of either food or drinks in order to give our bodies this key component so it can do what it needs to do.
People’s fluid needs can vary based on many factors, such as how hot it is where a person lives, how much exercise a person participates in, a person’s health status, and whether that person is pregnant or breastfeeding. But generally speaking, an individual will require about 2 liters every day, or eight, 8-ounce glasses per day.
So, why is hydration so important? Keeping your body adequately hydrated is utterly important for a slew of reasons. Staying adequately hydrated may relieve fatigue and sluggishness, can help flush out toxins in your body, may help reduce the risk of constipation, supports your organs’ proper functioning, plays a role in converting food into energy, and helps keep joints lubricated.
Signs of Dehydration
Maintaining proper hydration means that you are taking in more fluid than what your body is losing or using. And there are some tell-tale signs to let yourself know that dehydration has reared its ugly head.
Some signs of dehydration include: having a feeling of thirst, feeling tired, having dry mouth and lips, headache, producing a small amount of urine, producing dark yellow urine, and dizziness.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you question whether you are dehydrated, it is a good move to check in with your health care provider.
Stay Hydrated With These 6 Water-Rich Foods
If you fall into the “I hate drinking water” camp or the “I always forget to drink” camp, there is still hope for you. Some foods naturally contain a large amount of water, and eating them can absolutely count toward your fluid intake quota for the day. Especially during warm months or on days when you know you will be sweating a lot, including these basic foods can help you keep dehydration at bay with very little effort.
Watermelon
As the name implies, this naturally pink melon consists mostly of water. In fact, when you are eating a piece of watermelon, 92% of what you are downing is plain old water. Plus, a cup-sized serving is less than 50 calories, making this water-rich fruit a great choice for supporting your health and fitness goals.
Include watermelon on your salads, blend it into your mocktail, add it as a refreshing addition to apps like salsa or ceviche, or enjoy it plain as a snack. It’s the perfect way to support your hydration goals, while also satisfying your sweet tooth — a perfect 1-2 punch in the nutrition department.
Cucumber
That satisfying crunch of a cucumber is refreshing and incredibly hydrating. Since cucumbers are a water-rich veggie that is low in calories and goes well with a slew of dishes, focusing on cukes at mealtime is a satisfying and hydrating choice to support weight loss or overall health goals.
Add it to your homemade green juice, blend it frozen in smoothies, use it as a crunchy addition to a variety of salads or side dishes, or enjoy it as a hydrating vehicle for your favorite dips and spreads, like guacamole or hummus.
Peaches
Peaches are a summertime favorite, and for good reason! They are sweet and nutritious. And while you may be tempted to call it peach juice, the liquid consists of mostly water — about 90%! With just 70 calories per fruit, enjoying a peach can be a delicious way to help you get some extra fluids in, especially when you are on the go.
Blend them frozen into smoothies or mocktails, toss them in a summer salad, enjoy them over your chia seed pudding or overnight oats, or simply use them to flavor your plain old water.
Oranges
If you are enjoying a regular-sized orange, you are getting about an entire ½ cup of water as you are noshing away. Oranges are super-hydrating and perfectly portable, not to mention, packed with vitamin C. And if you prefer to drink your citrus, juicing your orange will allow you to do just that.
If you’re opting for homemade, here’s a healthy and hydrating combo to try. Simply blend everything in a high-speed blender, strain, and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 large handful baby spinach
- 3-4 celery stalks
- ½ cucumber
- 1 large orange, loosely chopped
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1 small piece of ginger
- ½ lemon, peeled and loosely chopped
- Filtered water or coconut water, to blend
Broth
Sipping on broth can be a simple swap for hydration support if water isn’t your thing. Many broths are almost 100% water, but they offer more flavor and, in some cases, more nutrition.
Hot or cool, broths can be a great sub for water if you know you aren’t drinking enough. However, if you’re not opting for homemade, ensure you’re opting for a low-sodium blend made with real ingredients!
Celery
Like the humble cucumber, celery is a low-calorie veggie that has a high water content (about 95%). And crunching away on these green spears can help your body take in some extra hydration in a very simple way.
Add it to your green juice, chop it up in your tuna or chickpea salad for some extra crunch, or spread some almond butter or hummus on it for a simple snack! You could even go for some old-school ants on a log with some peanut butter and raisins.
Zucchini
About 94% water, zucchini is a hydrating veggie to consider adding to your shopping list! It makes a great low-carb and calorie alternative to pasta noodles, and can even bulk up a smoothie for thickness and texture, without contributing to extra calories. Enjoy it grilled plain, spiralize it into noodles for spaghetti or stir-fries, or toss it into your favorite fruit smoothie in place of excess fruit.
Strawberries
Strawberries are not only one of the healthiest fruits, thanks to their rich antioxidant levels and benefits for brain health, but they’re also low in calories and high in water. With about 90% water content, they’re a delicious and nutritious choice for snacking. Plus, they can be added to a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and as a topping for any breakfast bowls or baked goods.
Tomatoes
Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, you’ll want to add tomatoes to your menu. They’re low in sugar and calories, and full of flavor! Plus, when in peak season, you can find them in so many varieties, including vibrant cherry and heirloom tomatoes. Yum!
Bulk Up Your Diet With Hydrating Foods
Proper hydration is a key component of your overall healthy diet and lifestyle. And although many experts give the generic “drink 8 glasses of water a day” recommendation, for some, that can seem challenging. Try to keep a reusable water bottle filled and on hand throughout the day as a reminder to keep sipping and keep some water-rich foods stocked! Knowing which foods naturally contain water and can be a fluid source can help you meet your fluid needs and support your hydration in a satisfying and super-simple way.
