Even when the mercury drops it is still important to keep up with your water intake. The cooler climate does not tend to give us the same prompts to drink, so it is important not to overlook your body’s cues to stay hydrated. If your body isn’t getting enough water, it can start to retain fluid, and make you feel hungrier.

By the time you feel thirsty or your lips are chapped, you’re already on the way to being dehydrated. Here are some seasonal strategies for staying hydrated this winter.

1. Keep a big water bottle in sight like on the desk next to the computer, or in your bag if you are out and about travelling during the day. When it’s cold out, you’ll be more inclined to reach for room temperature water over cold from the fridge. If you’re not a big fan of water, try a squeeze of lemon or lime in every bottle.
2. Set an alarm, no really! This is especially good if you work a desk job, or are sitting down studying a lot. By setting a frequent alarm, it will give you a prompt to get up, go to the kitchen, stretch your legs and have a drink. Win, win!
3. Tea and coffee can add to your total water intake across the day if you stick to the 4 x cups per day maximum. Fill up your thermos each morning for a cosy warm commute to work or uni. However, remember to account for any calories if you add sugar or milk to your beverages. Stick to herbal or fruit teas later in the day, and you’re set!
4. Eat your fluids! Make some homemade broth based soup to warm you from the inside out, and sneak in a little extra water into your day. You can also try to eat some high water content fruits and vegetables like celery, zucchini, cucumber and watermelon. If you’re not feeling a whole piece of fruit due to the dull weather, try some pear or apple on top of oatmeal for breakfast.
5. Make a habit of including a glass of water with every meal if you’re less inclined to sip from a bottle.
6. You may sweat less in winter, but it’s important to hydrate both before, and after exercise.

Staying hydrated this winter will also leave you less susceptible to colds and flus. If you’re finding it hard to fit in enough water each day, chat to your LifeShape Dietitian for more ideas and advice.