Phew! Summer is barely here, and already it’s a scorcher. And while it’s always important to keep yourself and your children hydrated, it’s especially true (and especially difficult) during a hot summer. That’s why it’s important to ensure everyone is drinking enough water (several glasses per day).
And that’s why it’s also important to look for other sources of hydration – namely, in the food we eat. It’s true - while downing lots of water each day is critical, so too is seeking out healthy, hydrating foods. That means opting for food that has at least 85% water content. Not surprisingly, many of the foods that fit the bill are fruits and veggies.
Thankfully, the most hydrating foods are some of the most tasty. In fact, the top most 5 hydrating foods (ie, those with the most water content) are some of my favorites. Let’s explore them below!
#1 Watermelon
You probably guessed this would be at the top of the list. Yes, ‘water’ is in the name. But we all intuitively know how refreshing and hydrating watermelons are.
Watermelons are 92% water, making them one of the most hydrating things you can eat. And they’re 100% delicious on a hot summer day, making them one of the most satisfying things you can eat, too. Add in that they’re low in calories and rich in antioxidants, and you’ll see why I always keep my kitchen stocked with watermelon in the summertime.
#2 Strawberries
I bet if you were to survey100 kids and ask them to name their favorite fruit, at least 90 would say strawberries! Tart, tasty, and beloved, we’ve included strawberries in our organic SuperFuit Freezies and our Ice Wand Freezies.
Clearly, strawberries are delectable, whether eaten raw, tossed in a salad, baked in a pie, or dipped in chocolate (this is a judgment-free zone!). And you might already know that strawberries are packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. You might not have known that strawberries are also 91% water, making them the perfect hydrating treat on a hot day.
#3 Cantaloupe
I’m not sure why cantaloupe doesn't get a little more love! It’s often overlooked as filler for fruit salad, when really, this hydrating melon is a lovely treat in its own right.And with a whopping 90% water content, it’s also one of the most hydrating things you can eat, too.
And since it’s colored orange, you know it’s got lots of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports healthy skin, hair and vision (to learn more about how colour indicates the health benefits of food, please see here).
#4 Peaches
Who doesn’t love a ripe peach? Coming in just under cantaloupe, peaches are 89% water (along with being rich in vitamins, fibre and antioxidants). Whether served in smoothies, with yogourt or cottage cheese or in an organic freezie, peaches are a lovely way to keep your family hydrated.
#5 Oranges
It’s probably not a surprise to see oranges rounding out this list of the top 5 most hydrating fruits. It’s pretty hard to eat an orange without juice dripping down your chin and fingers! That’s because this vitamin C powerhouse is also 88% water. And while orange juice is usually teeming with added sugar, these organic freezer pops have no added sugar, while still being picky-eater-approved.
If you found this article helpful, you might enjoy my tips on how to cut sugar without sacrificing joy. Otherwise, here’s to raising a reusable water bottle to a safe, happy and well-hydrated summer!
