With all the holiday sweet treats and delicious drinks, we know water is the last thing on your mind. Let alone if you’re under the weather. If you’re like us and prefer hot chocolate over hot tea, we have some clever ways to sneak in a little hydration this winter season!
How To Stay Hydrated This Winter
Eat Your Water
Here are some sneaky ways to get both your daily serving size of fruits and vegetables while also staying hydrated!
Photo by KoolShooters
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Watermelon - Water Content 92%
According to Healthline, just one cup of watermelon contains over half a cup of water! Watermelon also contains fiber and important nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium. One of the best things about watermelon is that it’s low in calories! Two cups are only 46 calories! Watermelon also contains an antioxidant, lycopene, which is known to reduce oxidative damage to cells, which has been linked to diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
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Strawberries - Water Content 91%
Similar to the tasty watermelon, strawberries are one of the best antioxidant fruits with high water content. Healthline explains,” strawberries provide lots of fiber… vitamins and minerals… and [when eaten regularly, it has] been shown to reduce inflammation, which can help protect against heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and various types of cancer.”
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Cantaloupe - Water Content 90%
Although the cantaloupe is best during the warmer months, it can still be found in groceries. One cup of fresh cantaloupe is made up of 90% water and holds about half a cup of water! Cantaloupe contains natural fiber and works to promote fullness and reduces your appetite. Healthline confirms, “studies have shown that vitamin A may boost immune health by protecting against infection.”
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Cucumber - Water Content 95%
With one of the best water content ratios of any fruit or vegetable, cucumbers' water content is an incredible 95%! This potent fruit is water-rich and low in calories and also provides some nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium. You can eat as much as you’d like to stay hydrated at only eight calories in a half cup!
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Zucchini - Water Content 94%
Zucchini is such a versatile vegetable because it can be used in soups, stir frys, grilled, and everything in between! Healthline explains, “a 1-cup serving… contains more than 90% water and provides 1 gram of fiber.” One cup serving results in only 20 calories and contains 35% of your daily vitamin C. Vitamin C is critical for a healthy immune system and can help against certain diseases!
Flavor Your Water With Fruit
Another fun way to incorporate drinking water as part of your routine is to flavor it! We’re not talking about artificial sweeteners, as some contain sugar and inflammatory ingredients, but we’re referring to adding fresh fruits and herbs!
Incorporating fresh fruits and herbs into your drinking water is a way to naturally flavor your water. Some popular combinations include lemon and mint or watermelon and mint.
Photo by Charlotte May
Soups
Each year, an estimated 9-41 million people catch the flu. Everyone pulls out their stockpot and makes a hearty and soothing chicken soup or dumpling soup to help with sore throats, coughs, and everything else. Soups are a great way to keep hydrated during the cold, chilly months because there’s an abundance of them, and it’s loaded with protein and vegetables! What’s not to like?
Photo by Nguyen Phuong
Coconut Water
If you’re not a huge fan of water, try drinking coconut water! There are seven science-backed benefits of drinking coconut water. Healthline explains, “one cup contains 60 calories, as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, antioxidant properties, can help lower blood sugar for people living with diabetes, may help prevent kidney stones, and even may support heart health.” With all the health benefits, there’s no reason not to give it a try!
Photo by Any Lane
Keep a Water Bottle Near
Lastly, unfortunately, if the previous suggestions don’t pique your interest, then just having a basic water bottle nearby is the way to go. We know water at its best can be smooth, but it’s essential! It’s important to stay hydrated because “drinking water can prevent dehydration, a condition that can cause unclear thinking, result in mood change, cause your body to overheat, and lead to constipation and kidney stones,” explains the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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We hope you have a happy, healthy, and hydrated holiday and remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for the latest health, beauty, and wellness news!