4 Little Known Ways to Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated, especially in the summer season, is an important part of staying healthy.

When you are dehydrated your energy, mood, mental focus and overall health plummets. But drinking water isn’t easy for some women who feel they don’t like the taste of water.

So here are four ways to help you stay properly hydrated, even if drinking water isn’t your bag (even though drinking pure, filtered water is still the best way to stay hydrated!)

1.  Chia Seeds

Chia seeds really need a post of their own because they are powerhouse superfoods with a high content of omega 3 fats, complete protein, and many other vitamin and minerals.

In terms of hydration, chia seeds readily soak up liquid. After about 10-15 minutes they will plump up and form a bit of a gel.

When you allow the seeds to soak up water before using them (in your oatmeal, smoothies, juices, baked goods, yogurt) they bring that excess water into your system as they are digested.

2. Coconut Water

In addition to a host of vitamins and minerals, coconut water is an isotonic liquid– which means it has the exact proportion of electrolytes as human cells and plasma have.

It hydrates us so perfectly, that in the Vietnam War, injured soldiers were actually given IVs of coconut water when the IV fluids were low in order to keep them hydrated.

You can drink coconut water straight or add it to a drink you already enjoy, like juice, to boost your hydration.

3. High Water Content Fruits and Veggies

All fruits and vegetables have a relatively high water content, but some really are off the charts.

Bringing fruits and veggies with the highest concentrations of water into your diet will help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

The foods all have more than 90% of their weight in water content:

• Cucumbers
• Grapefruit
• Canteloupe
• Tomatoes
• Watermelon
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Zucchini

4.  Make Water Taste Great

Finally you may be able to doctor the taste of water in order to make it more enjoyable.

• Make a large glass of iced herbal tea (non-caffeinated)- flavors like hibiscus or mint are delicious ways to stay hydrated.

Other healthy ways to flavor your water are:

• Add crushed mint leaves
• Slices of cucumber (cucumber in water has a subtle sweet flavor!)
• Slices of citrus
• Sliced strawberry

What other ways have you found to get your 8-10 glasses of water in?