Stay hydrated... Even in winter
Even in cold weather, it’s crucial to drink enough. Here are 8 tips for staying properly hydrated in winter!
Slower thirst response and cold weather
Hydration requires particular attention, especially in winter! Cold temperatures delay the onset of thirst, and we often forget to drink. We therefore risk becoming dehydrated, which can increase our physical and mental fatigue and make it difficult to maintain our body temperature. Here’s what to do to maintain optimal hydration.
- Hydrate beforehand
Pre-workout hydration should not be overlooked. In the hours before heading out or training indoors, make your water bottle your number-one ally! Replenish your minerals with an electrolyte tablet dissolved in 500 ml of water at least 1 hour before your workout.
- Waiting until you’re thirsty is not recommended
Here’s a tip to follow at all times: never wait until you’re thirsty to drink. In fact, thirst means that we’re already dehydrated. Prevention is key! So take a few sips of liquid every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Hot drinks on the menu
A tea, an herbal tea, or even our Zero Orange & Echinacea tablet mixed with hot water in a thermos will provide liquid comfort. A great way to warm up in freezing weather before or after your workout!
- Flavored mineral water appreciated
When you are active during the day, you are more likely to become dehydrated more quickly in winter. The sensation of cold and gloomy weather tend to reduce our desire to drink (cold) water. A simple solution is to dilute an electrolyte drink with a flavor we enjoy in it. Indeed, it is often easier to consume what we like.
- Hydration plan in place
Ideally, we should take a few sips every 15–20 minutes. We should therefore plan times to do so. For example, if we put on our skis, we can decide to drink every time we reach the bottom of the slope. Everyone is free to plan their hydration as they wish! It also depends on the activity and the intensity of the effort.
- Recommended hydration pack
If we are heading out for a hike or cross-country skiing instead, a hydration pack allows us to drink frequently. As a bonus, it means we do not have to take off our mittens to unscrew the bottle!
- Alcohol to avoid
We avoid alcohol in winter weather! Unsurprisingly, it promotes dehydration. But even more than that, it gives us the illusion of warmth, when in reality, it causes us to lose even more of it!
- Drink afterward
Despite our best efforts, we may be slightly dehydrated by the end of the day. We therefore continue hydrating throughout the evening.
Staying hydrated in winter is therefore a priority that should not be overlooked!