Summer is in full swing here in the UK, and that means longer days, stronger sunshine and more reason to be out and about enjoying the English summer! However, summer also means that a lot of us are feeling more dehydrated than usual – you can thank the summer heat and a lot of sweating for that! Apart from drinking water, there are several ways to stay hydrated – hydrating foods is one of them.
So in order to stay hydrated during this hot season, we’ve got our top 10 hydrating foods to help keep you from feeling the parched, dizzy and lightheaded feelings that come with dehydration.
Read on to find out what they are!
Our top 10 hydrating foods
Our list contains both sweet and savoury so you can stay hydrated either way!
#1 – Watermelon
You probably saw this coming but there’s a good reason why watermelon is always the go-to summer snack. Watermelon is a super hydrating fruit, with 91% of it’s red flesh being made up of water. Watermelon is also a good source of vitamins and contains large amounts of lycopene – a natural occurring nutrient that has a host of health benefits including heart health and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s more reason to enjoy some watermelon this summer!
#2 – Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a super healthy and super hydrating food that is perfect for summer. They’re hydrating powers can be attributed to the fact that they’re made up almost entirely of water. They’re also incredibly low in calories meaning that you can munch on a large amount of cucumbers without ruining your summer body. They might be tasteless but are perfect in any summer salad or healthy stir fry – especially for their crunch.
#3 – Strawberries
Strawberries are famous for their delightfully natural sweetness but did you know they’re equally as hydrating? Strawberries have a 91% water content making them one of the most hydrating foods out there. They’re also packed with beneficial nutrients such as flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits. To enjoy them in summer, try making a strawberry shake or simply enjoy them as they are.
#4 – Peaches
Another hydrating fruit which finds itself right next to strawberries in the ‘most hydrating foods’ category are peaches! Peaches are dense fruits, from their meaty flesh to their large seed. But they’re not dense with fluff – peaches are incredibly nutritious and have a high water content. They’re great in smoothie form and they’re also popular additions to fruit salads or yogurts, making it very easy to incorporate into your diet.
#5 – Tomatoes
The foundation of Mediterranean food – the tomato is a food with a remarkable resume. Not only are tomatoes highly hydrating (their made up of 94% water!), but they are also filled with vitamins and minerals. Some of the vitamins found in tomatoes include Vitamin A and C. Did we mention that they’re also a rich source of fiber and lycopene? If you’re not eating tomatoes, you’re simply missing out!
#6 – Pineapples
Struggling with downing enough water during the summer? Try snacking on some pineapples! Pineapples are a great part of our hydrating foods list – they contain 87% water and are naturally sweet, making it a sweet way to stay hydrated. According to studies and research, they’re also rich in Vitamin C and fiber. Pineapple can be enjoyed as is but they’re a great addition to any summer smoothie or fruit salad.
#7 – Celery
Make sure you’re drinking enough water every day by incorporating celery into your diet. Celery is 95% water and is a healthy part of any diet thanks to it’s high amounts of fiber, vitamin K and potassium. Because they’re so low in calories, celeries are perfect for those who are trying to lose weight. NExt time you’re having an outdoor picnic, try bringing celery sticks – they’re easy finger and dipping foods (try them with hummus!).
#8 – Coconut Water
Coconuts in general are delicious, healthy and hydrating. The only problem with them is that getting the meat out of such a tough shell can be tedious and might make you sweat – exactly the opposite thing this hydrating foods list is trying to achieve! Luckily, coconut water has all the same benefits of coconut meat, and is way more accessible! Next time you’re feeling parched, try swapping out a glass of water for coconut water for hydration with a sweet taste!
#9 – Milk
Milk usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for something to quench your thirst. But in fact, milk is a great way to stay hydrated in the summer. This is especially true for the skim or soy versions of milk – they are usually thinner and provide more hydration than their full cream counterparts. Not to mention, they’re great sources of calcium and are high in protein!
#10 – Soups and Broths
Last but not least on our list are soups. Soups are usually water-based and if made correctly can be a great source of hydration and nutrition. By ‘correctly’ we mean soups that are made with natural, healthy ingredients (like some of the vegetables we mentioned above!
Quench your thirst in sweeter, tastier ways
With this list, you’ll have plenty of options to stay hydrated this summer. So much so, that you can wave goodbye to those dizzying feelings of dehydration! Want to know more healthy ways to enjoy summer this year? Check out the OSIM Wellness Hub where we have informational and helpful articles that help you find more ways to live a life that is more rewarding and fulfilling. Learn something new today!
