How to stay hydrated, drink more water in Winter

Increasing your water intake and staying hydrated during Winter

We all know by now how important it is to drink enough water. You need around 30-35ml net kg of body weight per day. I find that very interesting.

I don’t do this because I despise needing to go to the bathroom every hour or even less BUT water is crucial for optimal body functioning, from you heart to your kidneys to your brain and skin.

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Now, in Summer it’s easy; the heat allows us to just gulp down glasses of this tasteless – magical – liquid. But winter is a whole different story. I’ve even considered drinking warm water… to avoid brain freeze after every sip.

water

Get more ‘tasteless – magical – liquid’

There has to be an easier way to remember to drink water. Never mind the taste of nothingness – how does one even remember to drink enough?

Routine Routine Routine. We are creatures of habit and whether you like it or not, this will probably we the most effective way to increase your intake this winter. For example – every time you go to the bathroom, drink a small glass of water. Or every time you check your Facebook feed, drink as glass of water.
Turn up the heat. Even better make a hot tea, a good Rooibos tea is always welcome. Remember to not add milk or sugar. Even herbal teas could be a good idea.
Fluid in your food. If you can’t stand the fact that you need drink almost 2 litres of water every day, try adding more foods that contain liquid into your diet. Consider these foods; fruit such as apples, citrus, grapes or even berries and tomatoes and vegetables like, cucumber.
Keep the bottle with you. I remember so clearly from high school how we as teenagers used to carry water bottles with us everywhere we went, especially those pump 750ml water bottles.
Set reminders. This sounds simple but I can imagine it is extremely effective. For this to work, you need first understand the importance of drinking enough water, then only will you be determined enough to not just simply ignore the alert on your phone.
Dilute drinks with water. Now this is smart. Generally I don’t spend a lot of money on sugary drinks and juices just because I believe that the quantity of sugar cannot be justified, BUT I also do enjoy the taste thereof, so maybe we can try this one together and ditch the feeling of guilt. Adding more water to your drinks (obviously not carbonated drinks, that would taste horrible lets me honest) will enable you to consume more water while enjoying the taste of your favourite juice. I did this the past weekend and I must say as soon as you get used to drinking less potent juices you’ll actually enjoy it more, you’ll find other drinks way too sweet quite soon. WIN WIN.