12 Surprising Foods That Will Keep You Hydrated This Fall and Winter

Your body is made up of over 50% water. Staying hydrated is vital to various body functions such as temperature and pH regulation, saliva production, organ and tissue protection, joint lubrication, waste removal, digestion and absorption, oxygenation, and involvement in numerous chemical reactions. Besides water intake, 20% of our hydration needs are met from the foods we eat. Staying hydrated in the fall and winter can be more difficult when the weather is cooler and we aren’t always reaching for a cold glass of water like in the warmer months. 

Check out these 12 surprising foods packed with water to ward off dehydration. 

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are 95% water! They are also a good source of vitamins K and C. Cucumbers come in different varieties such as Persian and English cucumbers which both have thinner outer skin.  

Jicamas

Jicama is 90% water! They are also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They have a crunchy and starchy texture with a slightly sweet flavor.

Apples

Apples are 85% water! They are also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. They are great to enjoy in the fall when more seasonal varieties are produced including Honeycrisp, opal, fuji, and pink lady apples. 

Romaine Lettuce

Romaine lettuce is 95% water! Lettuce is a good source of vitamins C, K, and A. It has a good mix of crunchy texture from the inner leaves and a more hearty texture from the darker outer leaves. 

Oranges

Oranges are 88% water! They are also an excellent source of vitamin C. This citrus fruit is freshest in the wintertime, and you can find tasty varieties like blood oranges, naval, and cara cara oranges. 

Celery

Celery is 95% water! It is also a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and potassium. Celery is a great addition to soups or enjoyed raw sliced into salads.

Radishes

Radishes are 95% water! They are also a good source of vitamin C. There are many radish varieties that can be found in grocery stores and markets including the vibrantly colored watermelon radish, the oblong-shaped French breakfast radishes, the larger and longer daikon radish, and the more common round-shaped table radishes.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are 92% water! They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins C and A. 

Spinach

Raw spinach leaves are 91% water! They are also an excellent source of iron, folate, and vitamins A and K. It is easy to see how much water spinach contains by how much it shrinks in the cooking process.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are 94% water! They are also a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruit and liquid into your diet. Liquid smoothie bases including water, dairy and alternative milk, and coconut water are great sources of hydration. 

Check out this cranberry smoothie recipe that helps use up leftover cranberries!

Soups

Soups are the perfect comfort food during the colder months. Since the base is usually a broth or water, soup is great for staying hydrated in the fall and winter. 

Check out these healthy soup recipes the next time you’re craving something warm and nourishing!