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What to do when you don't feel like drinking in the winter? Advice and suggestions

Homepage Articles What to do when you don't feel like drinking in the winter? Advice and suggestions

What to do when you don't feel like drinking in the winter? Advice and suggestions

Consuming too little fluids can lead to numerous health problems. Proper hydration is essential all year round, both in summer and winter. Below, we provide advice and suggestions to help you develop a habit of drinking an adequate amount of water, especially during the winter season.

Table of Contents

1. Why regular water intake is crucial for health

Human body is composed of up to 65% water, highlighting its significant role in proper functioning of the organism. Drinking water not only provides water, but also essential minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which influence the functioning of many systems, including the immune system. Additionally, regular water intake can help prevent many diseases, particularly in the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and skeletal systems. According to the recommendations, an adult should drink at least 35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, which equals 2 liters for women and 2.5 liters for men. Unfortunately, many people do not drink enough water, which can lead to dehydration and health problems.

2. Advice on boosting your water intake in the winter

Hydrating oneself with water immediately upon waking is a habit that is easy to acquire. One can prepare a bottle or a glass a day ahead, such as in the evening, and place it by the bedside. Providing the body with water early in the morning can have a favorable impact on one's well-being throughout the day. During winter, when mornings are chilly, it is advisable to opt for warm water to allow the body to warm up.

3. Add your favorite fruits and spices to the water

Fruits greatly enhance the flavor of water. The most popular addition is lemons, which is surrounded by a myth. It is often believed that lemon water not only hydrates, but also supports metabolism. However, there is no evidence to support this. Water with lemons hydrates in the same way as water with other fruits. Some other great additions are frozen fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, mangoes, and blueberries. Herbs such as mint can also add a pleasant flavor. In winter, it is worth using products with a warming effect, such as fresh ginger. It can be added to a glass of warm water. Another great addition is honey, but it is important to remember that it is a source of sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation. To preserve its health benefits, honey should be added to water at a temperature of about 40°C.

4. Keep a water bottle with you

Taking a water bottle to school or work is a beneficial habit. If possible, place it on your desk, within reach. A glance at the bottle reminds you to hydrate regularly. After consuming the entire bottle's contents, it's advisable to refill it immediately to maintain hydration.

5. Increase your intake of water-rich products

Food can also be a source of water. By incorporating fruits and vegetables into our daily diet, we can partially meet our fluid needs. To enhance our hydration, it is sufficient to include in our daily diet such products as soups, cocktails, and salads. Larger amounts of water can be found in vegetables and fruits such as cucumbers, zucchini, celery, bell peppers, tomatoes, melons, strawberries, or watermelons. It is best to consume them raw, as thermal processing can cause water loss. The table shows the average water content in selected vegetables (M. Grembecka et al. 2008).

6. Monitor your water consumption every hour

To monitor your water intake throughout the day, you can use reminders on your phone or special mobile apps, which allow you to indicate the number of glasses you drink or the amount of liquid you consume in milliliters. You can also prepare your own measurement by dividing your bottle into horizontal lines using a marker and marking the hours by which you should drink a specific amount of water.

7. Consume warm beverages throughout the day

In addition to water, it is also advisable to opt for beverages that heat up your body, such as tea or infusions. The addition of spices can intensify the sensation of warmth. During the winter season, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves have proven effective, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can strengthen the immune system.

8. Heating drinks based on water - recipes

Ingredients (per serving): - warm water - glass, - fresh celery - piece, - lemon - plaster, - frozen berries - several pieces, - honey - ½ teaspoon. Preparation: 1. Mix warm water with honey until it dissolves. 2. Add celery, lemon, and berries and mix well.

9. A refreshing beverage of strawberries and mint

Ingredients (for one serving): – warm water – a glass, – frozen strawberries – a few pieces, – erythritol – 1/2 teaspoon, – mint leaves – several. Preparation: 1. We put the frozen strawberries and erythritol in a small pot. We cook them on low heat for about 5 minutes. Then we gently mash the cooked strawberries. 2. We pour the warm water into a glass and add the mint leaves and cooked strawberries.
Source

Bandoła K. et al., Rola wody mineralnej w profilaktyce chorób, Tradycje i nowe strategie naukowe w Europie środkowo-wschodniej, materiały, Kijów 2018, 149–152.
Grembecka M. et al., Ocena jakości zdrowotnej wybranych warzyw na podstawie ich składu pierwiastkowego, „Bromatologia i Chemia Toksykologiczna” 2008, 41(3), 328–332.
Jarosz M. et al., Normy żywienia dla populacji Polski i ich zastosowanie, Warszawa 2020.
Łukasik I.M., Poszerzanie świadomości dotyczącej znaczenia wody dla zdrowia człowieka. Wyzwania pedagogiki zdrowia, „Lubelski Rocznik Pedagogiczny” 2019, 38(3), 57–75.