Tips To Stay Hydrated During the Winter
During hot summer days, grabbing a cold glass of water is a no-brainer. But when the temperature drops and winter settles in, many people may become less likely to reach for the H2O. But even if you think you need less water in the winter, the human body actually needs it daily.
Our bodies need water to do important things, like regulate body temperature so that cells, tissues, and organs remain healthy. Drinking water can also help prevent you from getting sick by boosting your immune system during the peak cold and flu season. Water can also increase your metabolism, which helps you feel full, longer.
But how can you keep yourself properly hydrated during a time of the year when all you want is hot coffee?
How to keep your body hydrated during the winter
For starters, you’ll want to avoid soda, coffee and alcohol as much as possible. These types of drinks can make your body even more dehydrated.
If you’re more inclined toward hot drinks during the winter, why not try hot green tea, or even hot water with lemon or honey? You can also eat your water. How? Several fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, strawberries, and celery, have a high water content that will help you reach your daily intake goals.
You might also want to add a humidifier to your home. Humidifiers add moisture to typically dry winter air; this can help keep you hydrated and also help prevent scratchy throats and dry skin.
A few tricks to get in your daily intake of water
Most health specialists recommend that we all need to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water (2 liters/half a gallon) each day.
Even if you try your best to get in your daily intake, you still might find yourself falling short. But these tricks may help:
Reward yourself with water
Want dessert during your lunch break? Don’t treat yourself unless you have four glasses of water during your morning (heck, you might find that all that water filled you up, leaving no room for dessert).
Use a straw
Many people find that it’s easier to drink fast – and more – with a straw.
Add frozen fruit
Adding frozen fruit to your water gives your drink a hint of flavor, and adds even more water to your glass.
Bring a gallon of water to work
We know that sounds like a lot… but when you bring a full gallon of water to work, you can easily monitor your intake. You might even draw lines on the jug to give you clear markers of how much water you want to drink during different times of the day.
Few things are as refreshing as a cold drink of water on a sweltering August day. But remember your body’s need for water in the winter, too! These tips and tricks should help you stay hydrated throughout the winter and beyond.