The Best Foods for Diabetes in the Summer

Greens, like lettuce, can also be very hydrating, according to Mitchell. She says to opt for a richer, darker green lettuce, which packs more nutrients and vitamins than lighter-colored lettuces.

One of those darker greens? Spinach. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, with 121 percent of your daily value in 1 cup, according to the ODS. Vitamin K is a nutrient that “plays a major role in your body’s ability to form blood clots,” Tracy says. “Spinach is also a good source of potassium and is low in carbohydrates.”

And even though it’s not crunchy iceberg lettuce, spinach is surprisingly hydrating, coming in at between 90 and 99 percent water, which is the same percentage as celery.

Other options include kale and arugula. According to the USDA, kale has minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, along with vitamins A, C, and K, and arugula contains calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

You could cook the spinach to pack more into a serving, or opt for a leafy green salad with protein and extra veggies. Another creative way to keep your hydration levels up? Add some mint or basil leaves to your water to give it a new, interesting taste — the trick also works with additions like cucumber, lemon, lime, and frozen fruit, Mitchell says.

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