This afternoon I walked into my kitchen ‘starving’ even though I’d had plenty to eat during the day. I definitely felt like grabbing a few of the peanut butter brownies my hubby had conveniently left on the counter. But, being fairly health conscious, I decided to grab a drink of water to go with it. Well, two and a half glasses of water later, I realized I hadn’t been hungry at all, but completely parched! I never worry about being dehydrated because I ‘always’ have a water bottle on hand, but as I thought through the past few weeks, I realized I have been really slacking on my water consumption!
Winter dehydration is a big problem because in the colder months, our bodies don’t give us the same signals that they do during the summer that we need to keep drinking. When it’s warm we sweat, our bodies feel hot, and water can be very refreshing. We feel the need to carry water outside because we’re constantly reminded that we need to hydrate.
During the winter hydration is equally important to combat dry skin, and keep circulation flowing (as it is our bodies tend to reduce blood flow to our extremities when we’re cold). We may sweat, but in the dry air it evaporates quickly, so we are less aware of this sensation. With heat running frequently, it’s crucial to drink approximately half your weight in ounces of fluid, preferably water. This will help keep sinuses from drying out, and keep our bodies functioning properly. On top of it all, when we’re dehydrated, or close to it, we frequently feel hungry and crave comfort foods when what we really need is water.
I’m not a fan of cold water in the winter, too cold, so remember that up to 2 cups of coffee can count towards your hydration, as well as tea. One of my favorites is to squeeze lemon into hot water. It’s simple, keeps me warm and hydrated, and adds a boost of nutrients! Stay warm!
Winter dehydration is a big problem because in the colder months, our bodies don’t give us the same signals that they do during the summer that we need to keep drinking. When it’s warm we sweat, our bodies feel hot, and water can be very refreshing. We feel the need to carry water outside because we’re constantly reminded that we need to hydrate.
During the winter hydration is equally important to combat dry skin, and keep circulation flowing (as it is our bodies tend to reduce blood flow to our extremities when we’re cold). We may sweat, but in the dry air it evaporates quickly, so we are less aware of this sensation. With heat running frequently, it’s crucial to drink approximately half your weight in ounces of fluid, preferably water. This will help keep sinuses from drying out, and keep our bodies functioning properly. On top of it all, when we’re dehydrated, or close to it, we frequently feel hungry and crave comfort foods when what we really need is water.
I’m not a fan of cold water in the winter, too cold, so remember that up to 2 cups of coffee can count towards your hydration, as well as tea. One of my favorites is to squeeze lemon into hot water. It’s simple, keeps me warm and hydrated, and adds a boost of nutrients! Stay warm!
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