7 Hydrating Foods More Exciting Than Drinking Water

Most of us don’t drink nearly enough water.

In 1998, New York Hospital and Cornell Medical surveyed over 3,000 people and found that 75 percent were suffering from chronic dehydration. “Although the survey found that Americans drank about eight servings of hydrating beverages per day, this is offset by drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol and eating a diet high in sodium,” reports DripDrop.com.

Further studies have shown that this constant dehydration contributes to fatigue, decreased cognitive function and focus, irritability, a slow metabolism and increased risk of kidney stones.

In the summertime this lack of hydration can be even more damaging to our health, as hot weather and more physical activity dries us out faster. 

The easy answer is to drink more water, but what if you don’t exactly LIKE to drink water? It is pretty bland on its own, after all.

Not to worry! It turns out that drinking isn’t the only way to give our bodies the hydration it so desperately needs, and choosing to EAT your water can actually deliver other healthy nutrients as well. Want to stay hydrated this summer? Add these yummy foods to your snack list!

1. Cucumber 

This easy-to-grow vegetable has the highest water content of any solid food! Cucumbers also have lots of potassium, magnesium and fiber to help regulate blood pressure. With a mild flavor, it’s also easy to add to any snack or meal. You can use cucumber slices to scoop hummus, chop some cucumber into salad or blend it with other ingredients into a soup! 

2. Watermelon 

Right after cucumber comes watermelon, packing 92 percent water content. In addition to all that hydrating-juiciness, watermelons offer lots of vitamin C and lycopene. Eat it for breakfast or dessert to infuse more hydration into your day! 

3. Apples 

While they might not pack the massive water content of cucumber and watermelon, apples are surprisingly refreshing. They also offer nutrients linked to lowering cholesterol levels, weight loss and preventing cardiovascular disease and even cancer. Choose green apples over red ones to keep sugar consumption low.

4. Yogurt 

Surprisingly, plain, full-fat yogurt is 85 to 88 percent water. “You’ll also get calcium, some B vitamins (namely B12 and riboflavin) and, to be sure you’re getting some good-for-you probiotics, look for a yogurt that carries the ‘Live & Active Cultures’ seal,” suggests EatingWell.com.

5. Butternut Squash 

It might be difficult to come by in the summer, but I was surprised to learn that this delicious squash is 88 percent water! Eating it it also gives you 400 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin A, as well as lots of vitamin C, potassium and manganese.

6. Celery 

Celery’s reputation as a diet food comes from the fact that it’s mostly water. In fact, just chewing it burns more calories than it adds to your day! Celery also has lots of mineral salts, vitamins and amino acids that are beneficial for rehydrating your skin. 

7. Carrots 

“Carrots may seem like a dense vegetable, but they are actually very hydrating,” explains Kimberly Snyder. “They are almost 90 percent water. And they have tons of beta-carotene, more than any other vegetable. Beta-carotene helps the eye sight, along with helping to protect against cancer.” Try adding carrots to salad, using them to scoop up a delicious dip, or adding them to a smoothie!