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

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

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

An insufficient intake of fluids can result in various health issues. Adequate hydration is crucial throughout the year, both in summer and winter. Below, we provide suggestions and advice to help you establish a habit of drinking the right amount of water, especially during the winter season.

Table of Contents

1. Why consistent water consumption is vital for wellbeing

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, consistent 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 increasing water intake in the winter – recommendations and suggestions

The habit of hydrating the body with water immediately upon waking up is easy to learn. One can prepare a bottle or a glass of water the day before, such as in the evening, and place it next to the bed. Early access to water can have a positive impact on one's well-being throughout the day. During winter, when mornings are cool, one can consider using warm water to allow the body to warm up.

3. Add your favorite fruits and spices to the water

Fruits significantly enhance the taste 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. Maintain a water bottle nearby

Carrying a water bottle to school or work is a beneficial practice. If feasible, place it on the desk, within arm's reach. A glance at the bottle reminds you of the necessity for regular hydration. Once the entire contents have been consumed, it's advisable to refill it immediately to maintain the proper hydration level.

5. Enhance your consumption of products with high water content

Food can also serve as a source of water. By incorporating fruits and vegetables into our daily diet, we can partially meet our fluid needs. To improve 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 advisable to consume them raw, as thermal processing can lead to water loss. The table shows the average water content in selected vegetables (M. Grembecka et al. 2008).

6. Regularly check your water consumption

To more effectively monitor your water intake throughout the day, you can use reminders on your phone or special mobile apps that allow you to indicate the number of glasses you drink or the amount of liquid you consume in milliliters. You can also create 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. Warm up with hot beverages throughout the day

Besides water, it is also recommended to select beverages that warm up the body, such as tea or infusions. Adding spices can enhance the sensation of warmth. During the winter period, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves have proven effective, which possess anti-inflammatory properties and can boost the immune system.

8. Warming drinks based on water - recipes

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

9. Refreshing beverage with strawberries and mint leaves

Required ingredients (for one serving): – warm water – a glass of, – frozen strawberries – a few bits, – erythritol – half a teaspoon of, – mint leaves – several. Preparation steps: 1. We position the frozen strawberries and erythritol in a petite pot. We let them simmer on a gentle heat for around 5 minutes. Subsequently, we meticulously mash the cooked strawberries. 2. We pour the heated water into a glass and incorporate the mint leaves and the previously simmered 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.