The best foods and recipes to stay hydrated all summer long

The best foods for hydration

In the family of foods that hydrate the most, we ask for fruits and vegetables. On average, they are made up of 90% water, and therefore a significant source of hydration, especially for people who never drink water. So, to make the most of this contribution, we cook them raw preferably, and we put them on the menu as often as possible.
Note that the vegetables richest in water are cucumber, green salad, zucchini, tomato, while on the fruit side, melon, watermelon and red fruits are on the podium.

Salt and fat to avoid

Unsurprisingly, cheese, cold cuts and aperitif biscuits are the worst performers in the ranking. Firstly, they contain a lot of salt, the consumption of which increases the feeling of thirst. Secondly, they are rich in fat, which is difficult for the body to digest. However, slowed digestion can cause intense hot flashes. Quite unpleasant when the temperatures are stifling.

Our advice: as an aperitif, if you offer a platter of cold meats and cheese, consider serving raw vegetables to compensate. Depending on your taste, you can even accompany it with fresh fruit.

Cold water, a false friend

Contrary to popular belief, hydrating yourself by drinking cold water is a false good idea. The reason? Ingesting a cold liquid forces the body to make an extra effort to regulate its temperature. As a result, a few minutes after drinking, you feel much warmer. In very hot weather, it is therefore better to choose water at room temperature.

Read: Heatwave: what to do when you don’t like water?

Top recipes that promote hydration

Fresh fruit salads, sorbets, gazpachos, and flavored waters… We favor plant-based and raw recipes to hydrate ourselves. Also, we abandon red meats in favor of poultry and fish, which are much lighter. As for desserts, we choose them with little sugar and made with fresh fruit.

Right away: 21 refreshing recipes to hydrate yourself without thinking about it.