Hi Bulls!
This week has finally ushered in some winter weather. Temperatures are dropping and everyone is digging in their closet for scarves and boots. While we’re excitedly putting on our winter accessories to protect ourselves outside, let’s remember to keep our bodies protected inside and out too! The colder weather comes with drier air. This can cause our bodies to release more water, possibly leading to dehydration. Most people think dehydration is just something to worry about during the summer. But it’s just as prevalent during colder, drier months. In the winter, when we perspire it’s either turned to water vapor more easily or caught up by the layers of clothes we’re wearing. It’s less noticeable, and therefore easier to miss. Here are some reasons why it’s important to stay well hydrated during the winter, as well as some ideas on how to do just that.
Why Should We Drink More Water During the Winter?
- Boost your immune system – Not getting enough water can make our bodies feel weak and tired. This fatigue makes it easier to get sick, like catching a cold or the flu. Given that winter is when the flu starts going around, it’s a good idea to make sure our bodies have all the help they can get.
- Stay warm and toasty – Water helps regulate our body’s internal temperature. If we’re dehydrated, it’s difficult to keep homeostasis. Our body temperature drops, making us feel cold. If we’re outside while this happens, it can lead to hypothermia. Drinking plenty of fluids will help prevent this.
- Keep the extra weight off – When our bodies aren’t getting enough water, they tend to retain whatever water we do take in. Drinking water helps prevent that from happening, and it helps our bodies burn fat more efficiently too. This can help fight that winter weight-gain battle most of us fight.
How Can We Get Enough Water?
- Don’t wait until your thirsty – Thirst is often the first sign we have that our body is dehydrated. Unfortunately, once we feel thirst we’ve already been dehydrated for a little while. Drink fluids throughout the entire day to stave off thirst.
- Eat foods with high water content – Fruit and vegetables are mostly made of water, just like our bodies! Eating multiple servings of produce every day is a great boost to our water intake. They also give provide us with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that all help our body feel it’s best.
- Drink warm fluids – If drinking an ice-cold glass of water doesn’t seem appealing when it’s freezing outside, try a warmer drink. Tea and cider are perfect to stay warm in the cold weather. Soup is another yummy choice that has water as a base and acts as a comfort food to warm you up
Now that we know why it’s important to stay hydrated and how to incorporate more ways to get enough eater, let’s put this plan into practice! What’s your favorite way to make sure you drink enough water? Let me know below.
Happy holidays!
-Karina
nutrition-nook.com 