Stay hydrated...even in winter

Even in cold weather, it is crucial to drink enough. Here are 8 tips for staying hydrated properly in winter!

Thirst slowed and cold anticipated

You need to pay special attention to hydration, especially in winter! In fact, cold temperatures delay the onset of the feeling of thirst and we often forget to drink. We therefore risk dehydration, which risks increasing our level of physical and mental fatigue, in addition to making it difficult to maintain our body temperature. So here's what to do to maintain optimal hydration levels.

• Hydrate before

You should not neglect pre-workout hydration. In the hours before our outing or our gym workout, we already make the water bottle our number one ally! Mineralize yourself with electrolyte tablet diluted in 500 ml of water at least 1 hour before your session.

• Waiting for thirst is not recommended

Here is a tip to follow at all times: never wait until you are thirsty to drink. Indeed, thirst means that we are already dehydrated. Prevention is key! So we drink a few sips of liquids every 15 to 20 minutes.

• Hot drinks on the menu

A tea, an herbal tea or even our Zero Orange & Echinacea tablet which is drunk hot in a thermos will bring us comfort in liquid form. A good way to warm up in freezing weather before or after the session!

• Mineralized water appreciated

When you are active during the day, you are more likely to become dehydrated more quickly in the winter. The feeling of cold and the gloomy weather tend to reduce our desire to drink (cold) water. A simple solution is to dilute an electrolyte drink containing a taste that you like. It is, in fact, often easier to consume what you like. 

• Hydration plan

Ideally, one should drink a few sips every 15-20 minutes. So we plan times to do it. For example, if we put on our skis, we can decide to drink water every time we are at the bottom of the slope. Everyone is free to plan their hydration as they wish! It also depends on the practice and the intensity used during the effort.

• Hydration pack recommended

If we go hiking or cross-country skiing, the hydration bag allows us to drink frequently. As a bonus, it saves us from having to take off our mitts to unscrew the bottle!

• Alcohol to avoid

We avoid alcohol in winter temperatures! Not surprisingly, this promotes dehydration. But even more, it gives us an illusion of heat, because in reality, it makes us lose more!

• Drink after

Despite all our good efforts, we risk being slightly dehydrated at the end of the day. So we continue hydrating all evening. 

Staying hydrated in winter is therefore a priority that should not be neglected!

This article is inspired by: https://www.sportsexperts.ca/fr-CA/blogue/conseils-sante/trucs-pour-bien-shydrater-en-hiver