11 tricks to drink more water

When it’s cold outside, the last thing on our minds is to drink water.

In winter, we don’t sweat as much and it is hard to notice that we are dehydrated.

Dehydration can lead to muscle fatigue, exhaustion, cramps and dizziness, and can also make you more susceptible to winter colds and flu.

Water strengthens the immune system and allows your body to work at full capacity.

The old rule of thumb is to drink eight glasses of water a day. This is easy to remember. According to the Mayo Clinic, even 13 glasses of water are recommended for men and nine for women.

This number increases when you exercise (with two glasses), in the summer, or if you are sick.

The truth is that in the winter we need the most water. Try some of our tips to stay hydrated and healthy this season.

1. Make it a goal to drink water

If you consciously decide that you want to drink more water, you can create a healthy habit. Invite your loved ones and friends to join you. Make a schedule – you can even write it on the bottle label.

There are many mobile apps that can help you track your water intake, such as Water Your Body for Android. Try replacing any carbonated drink with a glass of water.

2. Drink tea

Tea is a great way to drink more fluids. The warm, aromatic drink is also invigorating. Plus all the other health benefits of tea.

Studies show that one cup of green tea a day can significantly increase immune system function. You can even experiment with herbal teas and make your own blend by adding fruit and ginger root.

3. Keep water nearby and visible

You’re more likely to remember to drink water if it’s in front of you than to go to the water machine at the other end of the office building. Keep a water bottle on your desk, in your bag, or even better, right in front of you.

4. Drink “non-dairy” milks

“Non-dairy” milks such as almond, coconut, hemp seed or soy milks are very healthy. In addition, these products have many health benefits. They fill you with protein, vitamins and healthy fats.

5. Drink water before and after meals

Drinking water before and after meals creates a schedule for you. It is also a healthy weight loss method as you will eat less. Water at room temperature helps digestion.
In addition, cold drinks leave the body much faster than warm ones, i.e. they don’t hydrate it well.

6. Eat Spicy Foods

You can “trick” yourself into drinking more water by adding some spicy foods and spices to your diet. This will make you more thirsty.

7. Eat soups

One of the tricks to hydration is to eat soups. So you take water even when you have lunch. Soups and broths help replenish water reserves.

8. Fruity and flavored waters

This trick works in winter and summer, changing with the season. Make water with fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, lemons, watermelon or cucumber – any kind of fruit works.

Throw in some cranberries, figs, pomegranate, rosemary or mint leaves, and why not a cinnamon stick? The addition of basil also makes the water very refreshing.

You can add apple cider vinegar and honey to the water – this makes the water alkaline and aids digestion. Turmeric and a pinch of black pepper give a wonderful, semi-sweet flavor and aroma.

9. Foods rich in water

Now is not the season for watermelons, but there are many other fruits and vegetables with a high percentage of water. Try clementines, celery, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, spinach, citrus fruits, pears, pomegranates and pumpkin.

These fruits and vegetables will not only hydrate you, but they will provide you with many vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants.

10. Hydrate your skin

Your skin is a barrier between you and the outside world. The cold dries her out and so do your lips. And when your skin is dry, microscopic cracks appear, making it easier for germs and viruses to enter.

Separately, the elasticity of the skin is lost and wrinkles appear. Invest in a humidifier if you live in a particularly dry climate. Use lotion or puff to lock in moisture.

11. Avoid salty foods

Sodium chloride, as table salt is called, retains water and makes it unavailable to all parts of the body. But sodium is not contained only in salt.

A tablespoon of table salt in a home-cooked meal has less than 100 milligrams of sodium, while a bag of chips can have more than 1,000 milligrams of sodium, which is almost half of your daily allowance.

To reduce sodium intake, avoid processed foods and foods with many additives to limit the dehydrating effect of this element.