SHREVEPORT, Louisiana – When we think of staying hydrated, we usually think of drinking water. But we can actually get hydrated through food, especially fruits and vegetables. So when you gather outdoors this month, be sure to bring hydrating drinks as well as fruits and vegetables to help keep adults and young children safe from dehydration and heatstroke.
Drinking enough water is important for regulating body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, and nourishing cells, but there are other ways to boost your hydration besides just drinking plain water.
Fruits and vegetables are made up primarily of water — in fact, most fruits and vegetables are made up of 60-95% water alone.
Fruits and vegetables with the highest water content:
- Melon (watermelon, honeydew, muskmelon)
- strawberry
- pineapple
- peach
- cucumber
- orange
- green pepper
- celery
- Lettuce or leafy greens
Ways to get more hydration in:
- Fruit kebab as appetizer
- Grill pineapple and other fruits and serve them alongside burgers at outdoor parties.
- Fruit salad (delicious, delicious)
- Slice vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, celery, and peppers and use them as “chips” with dip.
Hydration Water Recipe – Strawberry Lemonade
- 15 strawberries
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 gallon of water
Other hydrating drinks that can help replenish electrolytes lost through sweating while outdoors include:
- Powerade Zero provides the same electrolytes as regular Powerade, without the sugar.
- Pedialyte
- Liquid IV
Thirst is not a good indicator of hydration status. If you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. For outdoor gatherings this summer, be sure to stock not only hydrating drinks, but also hydrating fruits and vegetables to help keep adults and young children safe from dehydration and heatstroke.
