“Hot Hydration”: 5 ways to get your water in during cold winter months!

Let’s face it...when it’s chilly outside, the last thing you want to do is reach over to your cold water bottle and take a sip. After all, having absolutely no visual clue like sweating during the summer months can get the better of you, making you ignore your daily water requirements. Although how much water someone needs can vary person-to-person, a good rule of thumb is that women should drink 8, 8-ounce glasses and men 12, 8-ounce glasses.

But, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. These five tips can make drinking water more fun, no matter how cold the weather gets.

Drink More Tea

That’s right, both tea and coffee can contribute to your daily fluid requirement. While caffeinated drinks may have a mild diuretic effect — meaning that they may cause the need to urinate — they don't appear to increase the risk of dehydration. The hot water is inviting on a chilly day, and a gentle tea flavor can be invigorating. You could even experiment with herbal teas and add fresh fruit or some slices of ginger root for added health benefits!

Eat More Fruits & Veggies

Did you know that eating fruits and vegetables count towards your water intake? Some in-season fruits and veggies that can help you stay hydrated this winter include clementine's, celery, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, spinach, citrus fruits, pears, pomegranates, grapefruit and winter squash (aka spaghetti squash). Eating your water also has the added benefit of giving you other much needed nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber!

Try A Virgin Hot Toddy

While you may enjoy the more “spiked” version of a hot toddy which usually includes whiskey or bourbon, a virgin hot toddy sans the alcohol is a perfect hot drink to enjoy on a cold winter day, no need to wait for it to be 5 o’clock! This virgin version of this winter drink favorite consists of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, honey, lemon, and water. Try this great recipe for a virgin hot toddy here! 

Enjoy A Hot Bowl of Soup

There’s nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. This hydration trick can have you drinking more water while you’re eating your lunch—two birds with one stone! Particularly, broth-based soups like bone broth have a high water content. Some other great winter options include: tomato soup, butternut-squash bisque and minestrone. 

Spice Up Your Water 

This trick will work in the winter or summer, and can be changed to fit the season. Make your water look fun and taste better by adding a touch of fruity flavor with fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, oranges, lemons or cucumbers—any sort of fruit will work! You could even toss in some cranberries, figs, pomegranate, rosemary or mint leaves for a holiday refresher.