Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Halo Sport. I originally tried and enjoyed Halo Sport without a brand partnership. Halo Sport in no way influenced the content of this article.
When the temperature dips, we’re less motivated to drink water and other hydrating beverages, but it’s no less important to our overall wellbeing.
During summer, staying hydrated is top of mind. It makes sense—you sweat more in warm weather, so it’s super obvious that you’re losing water. During winter, on the other hand, a lot of people are walking around dehydrated… without realizing it. Didn’t think managing your liquid intake was important when it’s chilly outside?
Here’s what you need to know.
You may be more dehydrated during winter
Your body needs the same amount of water all year round. Of course you need to replace increased amounts of water when you’re sweating a lot, which may happen more frequently in the summer. Dietician and friend Keri Glassman, MS, RD, CDN breaks it down: “When we sweat in colder months, the moisture turns into vapor instead of sitting on the skin. So while you’re still losing water, you don’t get the visual cue to drink up.”
Another surprising fact: Breathing cold, dry air also causes the body to lose a significant amount of fluid. The most important point: During winter, people feel about 40 percent less thirsty, regardless of how much water their body actually needs. So, in a lot of ways, it’s more important to be actively on top of your hydration needs.
Why hydration is as important in colder months
What’s the big deal, though, if you drink a little less water in January as compared to July?
Here’s a quick reminder of why H2O and other healthy hydrating beverages are critical: Water makes up 60 percent of your body weight, and every system in your body depends on it to function. Water flushes toxins and waste out of organs, helps carry oxygen and nutrients to cells, and provides a healthy environment for tissues.
When dehydrated, your body can’t carry out normal functions and begins to feel fatigued. In other words, if you get plenty of sleep and eat a super healthy breakfast to try to boost your energy, you’re still short-changing your health if you’re not getting enough hydration.
Delicious ways to stay hydrated
I always recommend drinking 64 ounces of filtered water every day, but there are other ways to stay on top of adequate hydration when it’s chilly. If you just want an upgraded way to sip that includes more flavor and added benefits, I’m currently loving Halo Sport (use code HALOMAX for 20% off). Not only does the super clean, organic sports drink skip added sugar, it delivers electrolytes for enhanced hydration and important minerals your body needs to function efficiently.
Bone broths (and soups in general) contains lots of water, and who doesn’t want their spoon in a yummy bowl of bone broth or butternut squash soup at lunchtime on chilly days? (Re-listen to The Genius Life episode 40 for a single bone broth primer and recipe.) Tea can also be hydrating, whether you’re drinking green for the antioxidants or chamomile to help you get to sleep.
Finally, citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, which are at their best during the winter, are mostly water. Eat ‘em up for a hydrating snack.