Do you find you are less thirsty in the winter and you are drinking less water than you did in the summer months? The recommended amount of water we should all be drinking throughout the year is around 2-2.5 litres minimum. However, during the winter months you may find this difficult. Why? Well we get less thirsty in cold weather, we sweat less, we drink more caffeinated drinks to keep us warm (which can cause dehydration).
We tend to think we can't get dehydrated in cold weather but it is very possible every day, through respiration, perspiration, urination, and bodily function, regardless of the temperature outside. Other factors – such as activity level, diet, and your health – also affect how quickly your body loses moisture. Our bodies are mostly water – on average 60% – and no matter the time of year, we require good hydration.
Dehydration occurs when you lose more water than what you take in. When your body doesn't have enough fluid to carry out its normal functions you will become dehydrated. This is why it is very important to drink more than the recommended amount if you work out or have an active job. However the body shows many signs to avoid getting to this stage; dark and/or decreased urine, dry mouth, chapped lips, fatigue, sugar cravings, flaky skin, a dry cough, to name a few.
If you are struggling to drink water each day, another way to hydrate yourself is to eat food with the most watery content. Although you won't hit your recommended amount of water by just doing this, it should help. We have listed below 10 water-rich foods that will help you stay hydrated:
Cucumber, 96% water
Lettuce, 96% water
Celery, 95% water
Tomatoes, 95% water
Spinach, 93% water
Mushrooms, 92% water
Melon, 91% water
Oranges, 86% water
Apples, 85% water
Blueberries, 84% water
By blending these foods and making smoothies and soups you can add water to them to make them more hydrating.
You can’t survive without water – it’s essential for life. Make it your priority to stay hydrated this winter, especially while you are at home.
