Summer’s Most Hydrating Bites

Staying hydrated is essential for good health. Every single cell in the body – your tissues, organs, and systems – relies on water to function properly. Water plays a key role in regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, maintaining cellular function, and removing waste.

During hot summer months, hydration becomes even more critical. Whether you’re exercising or simply spending time outdoors, sweating can cause significant water loss. This increases your risk of dehydration, which can lead to symptoms such as:

To maintain healthy fluid levels, it’s important to drink throughout the day. While the standard recommendation is eight glasses (64 ounces) of water daily, the National Academy of Medicine advises aiming for 92 ounces for women and 125 ounces for men.

The good news? Staying hydrated doesn’t have to come from beverages alone. Many fruits and vegetables are packed with water—and they come with the added bonus of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Many of these hydrating fruits and vegetables can eaten alone, enjoyed with a dip such as hummus, added to a smoothie or served in a salad. 

Other foods to incorporate in your day to help with hydration include broth, soup, plain yogurt and cottage cheese.  Including these foods along with drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day will help ensure you stay hydrated this summer.

Watermelon Strawberry Slush

1 small watermelon, one half cubed and frozen,

1 pint of strawberries, hulled

Juice of 2 limes

Cube watermelon and place ½ of watermelon in a freezer bag or freezer safe container of your choice.  Refrigerate the other half of the watermelon cubes. Once watermelon is frozen, place frozen cubes in a blender with the other half of the refrigerated watermelon, the hulled strawberries and the juice of 2 limes. Blend well until incorporated. The mixture should resemble slush. Pour into glasses and enjoy!