Staying hydrated during the summer heat is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But, for those who are not a fan of plain water, staying hydrated may be a daily struggle. The good news is that there are several alternative ways to stay hydrated even if you do not like plain water.

Here are 5 tips and alternatives to ease your thirst if you are not a fan of plain water.

1. Infused Water

Adding natural flavors to your water by infusing it with fruit slices, lemon wedges, or mint leaves is a great way to enhance water flavor, making plain water taste more enjoyable and fun. Additionally, certain fruits, such as berries and citrus fruits, are rich in antioxidants and can help boost your immune system.

2. Add some bubbles

If you are finding plain water consumption to be difficult but do not want to rely on sugary or artificially sweetened soda to stay hydrated, try sparkling water or other bubbly, water-based drinks! You can find many brands that offer a variety of fruit-infused options with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

3. Eat fruits and vegetables

Eating fruits and vegetables that have high water content is another excellent way to stay hydrated in the summer heat. Fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and summer squashes are all high in water content and make staying hydrated extra delicious. Home-made fruit popsicles are also a great way to stay cool and hydrated!

4. Sip soups

Broth-based soups are a great alternative for staying hydrated. Not only are most broth-based soups high in water content, but they can also be filled with salts, which help the body retain water, helping with hydration and electrolyte balance. However, too much salt is bad for your blood pressure, so if you aren’t sweating heavily, go with low-sodium soups.

5. Try coconut water

Coconut water is also a great and healthy beverage that can promote your body's hydration. Coconut water is sweeter than regular water and is filled with electrolytes, such as potassium, which can help replenish your body's mineral balance while acting as a tasty substitute to plain water! Note that coconut water is not the same as coconut milk, which includes coconut pulp as well as water and is much higher in fats and calories.

Keep in mind, while these alternatives can relieve thirst, it is important to consume water regularly and often in some fashion to maintain a healthy hydration level, especially in the summer heat!

Brooke Rasner, Marketing Intern, UGA College of Public Health