7 Clever Ways To Stay Hydrated Throughout The Day

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Most us know that we are supposed to get eight cups of water a day, but how many of us actually consume that amount? Between all the other things we have to think about, hydrating isn’t always the first concern on our mind.

But water plays an important role in our health, and we should be making sure we’re getting enough of it.

Since our bodies are mostly comprised of water, staying hydrated is vital to our everyday functions. Dehydration can cause a number of problems, including fatigue, moodiness, hunger pains, muscle cramps, and even bad breath. Drinking enough water throughout the day can help alleviate these issues.

If you’re having a hard time bring a water bottle everywhere you go, try these seven clever ways to stay hydrated throughout the day.

1. Eat Fruit

Plenty of fruits contain a high water content that can contribute to your eight glasses needed per day. Watermelon and strawberries have the highest water content at 92 percent per volume, followed by grapefruit, cantaloupe, and peaches.

fruit photo
Photo by Didriks

2. Soak Chia Seeds

Chia seeds soaked in water are used for “pre-hydration,” as they can absorb up to 12x their weight in water, forming a gummy-like substance that can make drinking water more exciting. Mix some chia seeds with fruit juice for a boba-like drink, and allow the chia seeds to prolong your length of hydration.

chia seeds photo
Photo by Stacy Spensley

3. Make A Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to combine different liquids, fruits, and vegetables for a loaded drink that’s filled with water. Add some ice cubes or coconut water for extra hydration, and stick to hydrating fruits and vegetables such as cucumber and lettuce.

smoothie photo
Photo by khawkins04

4. Drink Tea

Tea can help you stay hydrated because it consists mostly of water, and despite popular belief, it is not dehydrating, even when it contains caffeine. A study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that tea is just as hydrating as water, and as an added bonus, you’re also helping your body by consuming antioxidants.

tea photo
Photo by flossyflotsam

5. Eat A Salad

Just like fruits, many vegetables contain a high water content, making them a great choice for staying hydrated. Opt for veggies such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cucumber, which contain the most water and can easily be combined for healthy and hydrating salad.

salad photo
Photo by NatalieMaynor

6. Swap Soda For Sparkling Water

If you’re someone who likes your Sprite, ditch the sugary drink and go for plain sparkling water and lemon instead. Look for varieties that don’t contain sodium, sugar, or added flavors, as those can dehydrate you instead.

soda water photo
Photo by mahmoud99725

7. Eat Something Spicy

If you find you never quite reach for that water glass, consider using some hot spices to get yourself drinking. Although too much spicy food might make you dehydrated, try sprinkling on just enough red chili flakes to have you sipping on that H2O.

chili pepper photo
Photo by hoshi7

Photo by mynameisharsha

Food, Health
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About the Author
Carina Wolff
Carina is a health and wellness journalist based in Los Angeles. When she’s not writing, doing yoga, or exploring mountains and beaches, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes for her healthy food blog, Kale Me Maybe. Carina is also an ongoing writer for Bustle, Reader's Digest, FabFitFun, and more.

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