Simple Foods That Help With Hydration

By: Lei Mapindan

Dehydration is a health risk, especially in the summer. You can avoid dehydration by ensuring that you're getting enough liquids from your drinks and food. You don't need expensive or fancy electrolyte replacement drinks or shakes to stay hydrated.

You know you need eight glasses of water a day, but sometimes it's easier to eat your water instead of drink it with these foods: 1. Cucumber. This popular vegetable is about 96 percent water, and can help you stay hydrated. * You can snack on cucumber slices throughout the day. Dips such as hummus can make eating this vegetable more fun. * Cucumber soup is another option that tastes great and provides plenty of fluid. 2. Celery. The water content of celery is an estimated 95 percent. You can add celery sticks to your snack bag for a quick hydration tip, or incorporate celery into your meals. * Although it doesn't have many calories, celery provides water and important nutrients like vitamins A and K. 3. Iceberg lettuce. This lettuce may have a bad reputation for not having enough nutritional value, but its water content is 95 percent. * Iceberg lettuce is a popular addition to salads, but this isn't the only way to enjoy it. You can use it as a wrap instead of bread or tortillas. You can also eat this lettuce by chopping it up and adding it to cooked dishes like stews.   4. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are about 94 percent water. All varieties of tomatoes, including grape and cherry, will add to your hydration. * The smaller varieties of tomatoes can be eaten on their own as a quick snack. The larger varieties can be sliced for salads or sandwiches. You can also make tomato soup that is chilled instead of hot.   5. Watermelon. Vegetables aren't the only foods that can keep you hydrated. Fruit like watermelon is also an easy way to get your water. * Watermelon's water content is around 91 percent. Enjoy fresh watermelon or add it to a fruit salad. You can also blend it to make a unique smoothie. 6. Broccoli. At 90 percent water content, broccoli is an amazing vegetable that can keep you hydrated and provide fiber and important nutrients as well. 7. Star fruit. If you want to try something exotic to stay hydrated, then consider star fruit. This fruit has an estimated 91 percent water content. Star fruit is a delicious way to make your fruit salad more fun. 8. Strawberries. Strawberries are about 91 percent water. This popular summer fruit can be added to salads or enjoyed on its own. You can also make smoothies and shakes with it. 9. Baby carrots. Baby carrots have more water than regular carrots, at approximately 90 percent water. They're easy to pack and carry, so you can stay hydrated throughout the day. * Baby carrots and dips seem to naturally go together. You may want to try dips like ranch or guacamole with them. You can also try caramel or chocolate dips for a delicious treat. Dehydration can be prevented with simple steps like eating more foods that naturally hydrate you. These foods can make staying hydrated on a hot, summer day an easy process.