Baby it's Cold Outside! Ways to Stay Hydrated This Winter

One of the most common questions I get from clients is, “How much water should I drink each day?” The answer on how to stay hydrated with water is typically drinking approximately 50 percent of your body weight in ounces of water daily. So if you weigh 160 pounds, you typically want to try to get in 80 ounces of water a day. Some feel best off a gallon a day! Water is vital for your health and for hydration, and there are many reasons you should drink enough water. But that question — how much water should I be drinking a day — isn’t necessarily the best question because it’s not just about how much water you get … it’s about hydration. If you are dehydrated, some of the biggest side effects can be headaches, lack of energy, weight gain, lack of cleansing and detoxification, a weakened immune response, getting colds and flus easily, and feeling lethargic or even experiencing brain fog. That’s why it’s so vital to know how to stay hydrated properly. (Just ask your dry skin and chapped lips!)

There are many foods and drinks that can be consumed to help improve hydration. Here are some of them: Fruits such as apples, cantaloupes, watermelon, and oranges. Vegetables such as celery, cucumbers, and tomatoes

Hidden sources such as oatmeal, soup, and smoothies. Herbal tea. Coconut water.

Fresh pressed juices.

Fruit infused waters.

I carry a 24 ounce water bottle with me everywhere I go. I know that when four of those are filled and in my belly I’ve hit my daily quotient. (I aim for a gallon of water a day...it’s just how I feel my best)

And remember, we just explained that it’s about hydration. So the following tips will also help you stay nicely hydrated by not losing water unnecessarily. 1. Avoid taking long hot baths or showers during the winter months. Hot water can rob the skin of its moisture. Instead, use moderate-temperature water for shorter periods of time.

2. Lubricate skin with essential oils or coconut oil after showering or bathing. Coconut oil is a natural alternative to petroleum-based moisturizers. Apply the oils or moisturizer to the skin when it’s slightly damp. That way, moisture becomes trapped in the skin rather than evaporating in the air.

3. Use a humidifier to keep moisture in your home and office air, or keep a bowl of water on your radiators to add moisture to the air. The higher the heat indoors, the less humidity there will be. (It’s the humidity that helps keep skin from drying out.) 4. Limit alcohol and caffeine, both are dehydrating.

And if still in need of ideas, my personal favorite is using a straw. It’s fun and fast!

And of course, there’s an app for that! Several clients swear by Waterlogged and MyFitnessPal to keep their daily count.

Happy hydrating! (water that is!)