Most of us know that staying hydrated is crucial to our workout stamina & performance, & it’s even more critical when the temperatures start skyrocketing. It’s important to up your hydration game when it gets hotter than usual or when you’re working out harder or longer than usual. Many people think of water first, electrolyte drinks, gels, & gummies next…& those options are all fantastic. But we can also increase our baseline hydration by focusing on water-rich foods as well! Below is a list of foods that will help you stay quenched through even the hardest workouts on the hottest days (and some of them may surprise you!).
Melons
Whether you prefer watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, or some of the more unusual varieties, melons are made of about 90% water.
Berries
Berries come in between 85-90% water with strawberries leading the pack, followed by blackberries, then blueberries and raspberries.
Citrus and Stone Fruits
Peaches, oranges, & grapefruits are some of the most hydrating options with about 88-91% water content. A medium orange contains about 1/2 cup of water!
Dairy
What?! Yes, it may strike you as weird, but some dairy products have a high water content & can contribute nicely to your overall hydration. Skim milk is about 91% water, plain yogurt is around 88%, and cottage cheese is about 80%.
Greens
Lettuce and cabbage top the list at 96% & 92% respectively. Kale is a bit lower at 84%, but still a worthy addition to your hydration foods.
Veggies
There are lots of veggies that have excellent water content numbers. Some of the highest options are cucumbers & celery at 95%, zucchini & tomatoes at 94%, & bell peppers and& cauliflower at 92%.
Consider where you can add one or more of these foods to your usual diet before & after your workouts, especially if you’ll be outside in the heat. Every drop of water counts when the temps are soaring so adding a few extra hydrating foods is great insurance for making sure that you continue to feel & perform your best, no matter the season!
If you’d like more info about nutrition or Kaia FIT, feel free to email or call/text Cari at 208.908.2283.