Smart Strategies For Staying Hydrated This Winter

Smart Strategies for Staying Hydrated This Winter

During winter, be sure to drink up — and we don't mean those sugary, caffeinated beverages like eggnog lattes and hot chocolate, which pack a lot of calories and can seriously stand in the way of hydration.

Smart Strategies for Staying Hydrated This Winter

If the idea of a big glass of ice water becomes unappealing during the cold-weather months, find ways to sneak some H2O into your regular routine.

Smart Strategies for Staying Hydrated This Winter

To get you started, we've compiled a list of some of the best (and sneakiest) ways to trick yourself into drinking and retaining more water during the winter months. Follow these tips and you'll be replenished in no time!

Adjust for Altitude

If you're planning on hitting the slopes this winter, Dr. Holsworth says to keep in mind that higher elevations have an effect on the way our bodies process water.

Adjust for Altitude

He recommends a quart more water per day than usual. 

Check the Mirror

If you suffer from dry skin in the winter, according to Dr. Holsworth, you probably need to increase your fluid intake.

Check the Mirror

Supple skin is a byproduct of staying hydrated. 

Choose Broth-Based Soups

Pick chicken noodle over the bisque.

Choose Broth-Based Soups

Registered dietician Tori Holthaus of Yes! Nutrition says that broth-based soups have fewer calories and are even hydrating, thanks to the water in the broth.

Choose Broth-Based Soups

Vegetable, lentil, and minestrone soup are all smart choices. 

Drink Herbal Tea

Instead of chugging coffee or a calorie-heavy hot chocolate to stay warm this winter, Holthaus recommends herbal tea instead.

Drink Herbal Tea

The hot water will help keep you hydrated and the antioxidant properties in the herbs can help prevent cell damage. 

Drink “Winter Water”

Dr. Holsworth says that his patients complain that chilled water just isn't appealing come winter.

Drink “Winter Water”

He recommends warming up water and steeping fruit slices and cinnamon sticks to make plain water festive and seasonally appropriate. 

Eat More Produce

Holthaus says that since most fruits and veggies are 90-percent water.

Eat More Produce

Just trying to eat five servings of produce a day can really have an impact on your hydration. 

Make Water a Priority

Everyone knows drinking plenty of water is important.

Make Water a Priority

Sure, it can be a drag lugging a giant bottle of water everywhere this winter, but Dr. Holsworth says that to stay hydrated, you should really be drinking constantly.

Make Water a Priority

Invest in a backpack with a bottle holder or a compact, refillable bottle. 

Potassium-Rich Foods

Okay, so a banana doesn't really seem like a cold-weather food, but Holthaus says that potassium helps transport water throughout your body.

Potassium-Rich Foods

Kale, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes can also help you get the potassium you need.

Set a Daily Goal

Two liters (about 68 ounces) of water a day should be a daily goal for women and men should aim for two and a half liters (about 85 ounces), according to Dr. Ralph E. Holsworth.

Set a Daily Goal

Fill bottles of water at night and sip them throughout the day so you can see your progress. 

Skip the Cocktails

Alcohol makes it harder for your body to oxygenate, says Dr. Holsworth, which means that you'll perspire a little more than normal.

Skip the Cocktails

If you do drink, he recommends drinking a glass (eight ounces) of water with each alcoholic beverage you consume — this also helps prevent hangovers.