8 Ways To Stay Hydrated This Summer (That Aren’t Just Drinking Plain Water)
We’re all aware of the fact that water constitutes more than a fifth of our body weight. We undeniably rely on H2O for the smooth functioning of various organs of our body. And ultimately, it is our everyday consumption of water that determines how healthy we are. We are often advised about the amount of water that needs to be consumed by us every day, but the fact stands that our water intake varies on various factors like our environment, the climatic conditions, and also the water resources that we could reach out to (1).
And when we talk about the regular water intake, we don’t always mean drinking water alone; there are various sources of H2O out there that can be used as a substitute for water. Because let’s be practical, we simply cannot drink gallons of water all day to stay hydrated! It fills us up and often leaves us feeling bloated. Additionally, the rising mercury levels dry out the water from our bodies as well as our surroundings. Hence, we need to find ways to save ourselves from being dehydrated.
Here are a few ways that can help you keep the water levels in your body regulated at all times.
Eat Water
Yes, you read that right! Who said keeping yourself hydrated refers to just drinking water, you can eat it as well. Still confused? Well, we all know there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in water content (2). So, just line them up on your plate and eat them the next time you feel thirsty. We are listing down a few here:
1. Watermelon
When it has the word water in its name, why doubt its game? It has a whopping 92% of water content in addition to being a rich source of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. And its availability in abundance during the summers is a boon, so don’t waste it.
2. Celery
We agree that it doesn’t really please our taste buds with its plain taste, but it gives the watermelon some competition by having 95% of water in it. So, the next time you find some celery stalks, just munch on their crunchiness and stay hydrated.
3. Cucumbers
Slice ’em or dice ’em, cucumbers always take the topmost cool spot when it comes to the list of water-rich foods. With 96% of water in them, they are a weight loss enthusiasts’ best friend because they have no cholesterol or any saturated fats in them.
4. Strawberries
We bet you smiled reading this! After all, most of us consider strawberries as nature’s treat for our sweet tooth. These berries are loaded with 92% water and are also rich in fiber and vitamin C. So, pop them in your mouth and munch, or make a summer cooler with it.
Bottoms Up!
We don’t mean anything alcoholic here! There are plenty of fluids or drinks apart from plain drinking water that help to quench your body’s thirst (3). And we agree that most of the people out there aren’t aware of such substitutes for water. Try one of these and see for yourself if it works or not.
5. Skimmed Or Fat-Free Milk
We know that milk is a rich source of calcium and consuming it regularly results in overall good bone health (4). But did you know that milk contains 80% of water in it? Drinking skimmed milk is a better replacement for the energy drinks that we have. It helps in rehydration and faster recovery from ailments as well.
6. Smoothies
If you feel munching on a single water-logged fruit or vegetable is too monotonous for your likes, you can go wild by blending it into a smoothie! Green smoothies or fruit smoothies can sweeten your day while helping you stay hydrated.
7. Coconut Water
There is a reason why people go ga-ga over this tropical drink. It’s low in calories and carbohydrates but rich in potassium. The water content in it adds on to the fact that it’s the best natural sports drink we can get our hands on (5). The sweetish-nutty taste is much more appealing than plain ol’ water, so make the most of it while it lasts.
8. Coffee
We all blindly believe in the fact that the diuretic properties of coffee can cause one to get dehydrated. But a recent study has proved that coffee actually helps to keep water fluids in our body under control (6). It’s also known to boost our memory and also reduces the risks of chronic ailments like diabetes, heart diseases, etc.
Now we know that we can incorporate various fruits, vegetables, and drinks to keep our bodies well hydrated. But, of course, there can never be a true substitute for water – only healthy supplements that help maintain the water levels in our body could ever suffice. Do you know any other ways to keep yourself hydrated? Please do leave your answers in the comments below!
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