​Stay Hydrated with these Six Snacks

Summer officially arrived on June 21 and so many of us are eager to get outside and enjoy some fun in the sun. Between winter, followed by a spring of social distancing, we are ready to resume favorite outdoor activities and make the most of the summer season. The trick to doing so safely doesn’t just involve handwashing, wearing masks or maintaining plenty of personal space. Staying hydrated is key and there are more ways to do so than simply sipping water.We’ve got six snack suggestions that feature high water content, which will help you stay healthy and hydrated on these hot summer days.

Help Yourself to Some Hydration!

Before you venture outdoors to enjoy your favorite summertime activities, make sure you pack enough water to keep you hydrated throughout the day. We also suggest the following snacks, which we’ve picked thanks to their high water content. Each one has a water content of at least 90% and is delicious on its own as an easily portable snack.

In order of highest water content, we give you…

Celery

Containing 95% water, celery can satisfy that craving for something crunchy and is easy to cut into spears for a take-along, mess-free snack. Need a little protein boost? Add a smear of peanut butter and, if you’re feeling nostalgic for a childhood treat, sprinkle a few raisins or chocolate chips on top of the peanut butter. Voila! Ants on a log!

(Pro tip: This is a surefire snack to inspire kiddos to appreciate and eat their vegetables!)

Cucumber

Matching celery’s 95% water content, cucumber slices are also perfect to pack as a quick snack. For a simple and super hydrating salad, chop some fresh tomatoes (94% water) and sprinkle them, alongside your cucumbers, over a bed of lettuce (96%).

Bell Peppers

Choose your favorite color -- red, orange, yellow or green -- or pick them all for a rainbow-inspired treat. Bell peppers contain 92% water and are great vehicles for healthy dips and spreads like hummus.

Watermelon

What’s in a name? Turns out, a whole lot of water… 92%, in fact. While watermelon slices might not be the easiest thing to toss in a bag, cut up cubes are a great option and easy to pop in your mouth while teeing off on the green, strolling along the shore, or tackling a trail.

Strawberries

Summertime is the season to pick your own strawberries and enjoy their naturally sweet taste and high water content (91%). Of course, your grocery store should have plenty to pick from, too. Great on their own, strawberries are also a favorite ingredient for fruit smoothies.

Cantaloupe

The least amount of water content on this list, cantaloupe still boasts a high percentage of 90 and is another fruit that is easy to cut and cube for a sweet snack on the go.

All of these fruits and vegetables pack a punch of hydration on their own or as a boost to other dishes and drinks. Whatever your preference, make sure you stay hydrated for a healthier, happier summer.