It’s not just your imagination–the Texas heat really does make you thirsty. Heat forces the body to sweat to reduce the temperature, which can dry out your body’s water supply rapidly if you don’t replenish it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself hydrated in the summer heat. Aside from the obvious solutions of drinking plenty of water and electrolyte drinks, you can also make sure your diet includes plenty of vegetables and fruits with high water content.
Which Produce Contains the Most Water?
Water-rich fruits and vegetables not only fill you up, but they also help you stay hydrated after a long day in the sun. Most produce also contains many essential vitamins and nutrients, making them nutritional as well as hydrating. A few of the best examples of fruits and vegetables rich in water include:
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Celery
- Tomatoes
1) Watermelon
Watermelon is already a popular summer staple, and it isn’t hard to see why. With more than half a cup of water in each cup of watermelon, this fruit is an excellent way to stay hydrated. Serve chilled for an even better cooling effect.
2) Strawberries
Strawberries consist of 91% water and contain plenty of essential vitamins, making them a very nutritionally dense summer snack. Add strawberries to salads or smoothies or just eat them on their own to contribute toward staying hydrated.
3) Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges or grapefruits, average about 88% water content in addition to high amounts of fiber and vitamin C. A single orange can contain as much as half a cup of water. Suffice to say, citrus fruits are a sure-fire solution to consuming enough water!
4) Cucumbers
If you prefer vegetables over fruit, cucumbers might be a good choice for you. Cucumbers have a staggering 95% water level and only 16 calories per one cup, making them one of the most water-rich vegetables anyone could eat. You can incorporate cooked cucumber into your summer meals in soups, but many people prefer fresh cucumber in salads or other cold meals.
5) Lettuce
Though lettuce has a 96% water level, slightly higher than cucumbers, a cup of lettuce provides only about one-quarter cup of water. However, the high levels of vitamins A and K make lettuce an essential addition to your summer diet. Vitamins can be just as important as hydration.
6) Celery
Like cucumbers, celery only contains 16 calories per cup, and a cup of celery offers half a cup of water. Celery stalks are also a perfect finger food for anyone active during the summer and provide a satisfying crunch to boot. For a satisfying and clean snack, celery is an excellent choice.
Pro Tip: In general, the popular snack of peanut butter on celery stalks is not a good idea for keeping hydrated. The peanut butter will not help you stop feeling thirsty.
7) Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain slightly more calories than other vegetables, with 32 calories in a cup. However, their nutritional profile more than makes up for this. A mid-size tomato contains about half a cup of water and high amounts of vitamins A and C. If you’re looking for a more filling summer snack, tomatoes may be the way to go.
The Best Hydrating Foods
Of course, vegetables and fruits with high water content aren’t your only choice to stay hydrated this summer. However, they provide a tasty alternative to just another glass of water, as well as plenty of additional nutrients crucial to your health. Keep yourself hydrated with these water-rich fruits and veggies!
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