When the summer heat is at full throttle, it’s critical to sip plenty of water and other quenching beverages to stay well hydrated. But it’s not just what we drink that matters – what we eat has a bigger impact than you might think. On average in the United States, an estimated 22 percent of our fluid intake comes from food, so choosing the most water-rich options can definitely make a difference.
Hydrating Foods
Some of the most hydrating foods are in peak season this time of year – tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, melon, berries, peaches, grapes – but nearly all produce contains at least 70 percent water, so you can’t go wrong with whatever fruits or vegetables you like best. Milk (dairy or plant-based), yogurt and cottage cheese are also high in water, making chilled dishes such as smoothies, cold soups and overnight oats especially refreshing and replenishing.
Yes, even desserts can help you get the fluid your body needs. These frozen fruit pops are the most craveable way to beat the heat. They are a simple blend of pineapple (one of the most water-rich fruits), light canned coconut milk (for liquid and luscious creaminess with less saturated fat), dates (to add sweetness without any added sugar) and a brightening squeeze of lime juice.
Piña Colada Ice Pops Recipe
To make these refreshing pineapple-coconut ice pops, you’ll need ten (3-fluid-ounce) ice pop molds, or small, freezable cups with ice pop sticks. You can use other size molds or cups, if desired, though the yield will vary.
- One (13.5-ounce) can well-shaken light coconut milk
- 2 1/4 cups (12 1/2 ounces) diced fresh pineapple (3/4-inch dice)
- 3 large pitted Medjool dates (2 1/4 ounces total), plus more as needed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
Combine the coconut milk, pineapple, dates and lime juice in a blender, and process until smooth. Taste, and blend in another 1 or 2 dates, if needed, depending on the sweetness of the pineapple. Divide the mixture among ten (3-fluid-ounce) ice pop molds. Cover the molds, insert the ice pop sticks and freeze until set, at least 6 hours.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
