CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) – We all know we need to hydrate in the warm summer months, but did you know it’s not just water that can hydrate your body, but certain foods as well? Dr. Laura Christoph, Professor of Nutrition, shared more about hydrating fruits and vegetables.

Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables

Top Hydrating Veggies: cucumbers, salad greens, carrots, squash, cauliflower, tomatoes, celery

Top Hydrating Fruit: strawberries, watermelon, grapefruit, papaya, cantaloupeSome ways to add these to your daily diet:

Try a Green Smoothie for Breakfast

Have a watermelon arugula salad with a healthy protein source for lunch

Snack on celery and carrots in the afternoon

Substitute “zucchini noodles” for pasta and Cauliflower for rice or mashed potatoes at dinner time

Go for a bowl of cantaloupe with some plain yogurt (another hydrating food) for dessert

Also, beware of caffeine, sodium, and sugar. These will dehydrate your body rather than quenching your thirst!