TOP TIPS FOR STAYING HYDRATED THIS WINTER
With our busy schedules these days, the simple task of drinking enough water can easily fall off our to-do list. Let’s be honest—how many times have you reached the afternoon or end of your work day and made the statement, ‘Man, I’ve drank hardly any water today!’ (guilty!)? Whilst keeping hydrated and getting enough H2O in our bodies should be a priority in our health and wellness routine, sometimes getting anywhere near the recommended daily fluid intake of approximately 10 cups for men and 8 cups for women can be challenging, especially in the cooler winter months.
Whilst we may be less thirsty in winter, the risk of dehydration is just as high, and therefore, it’s important to find ways to include water in your daily routine that make it less like a 'to-do' task and more like something you enjoy and look forward to. In this blog, we’re sharing our top tips for staying hydrated in winter and showing you how you can amp up your H2O game with these must-have Happy Way products—we promise drinking water has never been so fun!
TOP PRODUCTS TO HELP KEEP YOU HYDRATED THIS WINTER
1. Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water (in the morning and throughout the day)
Give your H2O a flavour boost and an added dose of electrolytes with Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water. This 100% natural protein powder is packed with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes that boost hydration and enhance both physical and mental performance. Available in whey and vegan varieties, the whey formula even contains collagen for lean muscle support and youthful-looking skin. Unlike our other protein powders that are more creamy, this one delivers more of a fresh, fruity flavour, making it the perfect addition to your daily water bottle, in smoothies, or even to flavour ice cubes which will dress up any chilled beverage or cocktail. Take your water game up a notch with this Happy Way favourite!
2. BCAAs (lunch and pre and post-workout)
If you're busy working out this winter, you'll want to support your immunity and muscle recovery with our BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids). Perfect for anyone focused on building and maintaining lean muscle mass or participating in high-intensity exercises, BCAAs are essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Happy Way BCAAs provide multiple benefits, including helping build and maintain lean muscle mass, supporting the immune system, balancing hormones, and boosting energy and endurance. Add a scoop of our Raspberry or Green Apple BCAAs with water approximately 15-30 minutes before a workout to maximise the benefits. It's gluten-free and vegan-friendly too, suitable for all dietary needs.
3. Super Greens + Super Reds (afternoon)
Our Super Greens and Super Reds Powders are a natural, nutrient-packed blend of fruits, veggies, and plant-based ingredients designed to nourish your body and mind from the inside out! Our Super Greens is packed with antioxidant-rich superfoods like kale, spinach, wheatgrass, and kelp and our Reds with beetroot, berries and pomegranate, these supplements promote energy, vitality, and overall health. The inclusion of pre and probiotics offers additional nutritional support, making it a daily essential to help fight off the dreaded winter cold and flu season. Enjoy it in winter with hot water for a comforting superfood pick-me-up, add a scoop to water for a refreshing boost of nutrients, or mix it into smoothies, yoghurt, protein balls, and various baked goodies for added flavour and wholesome goodness.
4. Sleep Tight Hot Choccy (evening)
Calm your mind and body and enjoy a restful night's sleep with our Sleep Tight Hot Choccy. Available in both dairy-based and vegan-friendly formulas, this soothing beverage contains a herbal blend that helps calm and soothe without any artificial nasties or sugars. Add two heaped teaspoons to hot water or heated milk in a mug and stir well. Snuggle up with a warm cup before bedtime as a cosy nightcap and drift off into dreamland without any stimulants disrupting your slumber.
SHOP DAIRY SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY
SHOP VEGAN SLEEP TIGHT HOT CHOCCY
THE RISKS OF DEHYDRATION IN WINTER
As the chilly winds blow and we cosy up in our layers during the colder months, it's easy to forget about the importance of staying hydrated. Even cranking the heater—so your office space feels more like a tropical island rather than the wintery weather that may be going on outside—can contribute to dehydration. Not only will you feel parched and thirsty, but you’ll also notice it in your skin, with our faces and bodies often needing a little more TLC (and richer moisturisers) in the cooler months.
But did you know that not drinking enough water can lead to serious health issues too? Severe dehydration can cause dizziness and even lead to collapse, which is why it's crucial to ensure you're getting enough water, especially during the winter when dehydration might not be as noticeable.
Our bodies are composed of 60-70% water, making proper hydration essential for overall health. Water is the foundation of a healthy balanced diet, and it plays a vital role in various bodily functions—from digestion to nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and temperature regulation, water is the unsung hero keeping our bodies in tip-top condition.
Dehydration, even in its milder forms, can impact physical and mental performance too. It may increase the risk of kidney stones, heart valve problems, and some types of cancer. But it's not just about preventing serious conditions—staying hydrated can also improve your mental and physical well-being. It helps boost energy levels, keeps your mouth healthy, and even aids in protecting against tooth decay, thanks to the fluoride found in most drinking water in Australia. And drinking enough water also increases serotonin levels in the brain which promotes happiness, as well as improving our memory and focus.
WHY STAYING HYDRATED IN WINTER IS SO IMPORTANT
Dehydration is less noticeable in winter than during the summer
The heat makes us sweat, which makes dehydration more apparent. But in winter, perspiration turns into water vapour quickly, and wearing layers of clothing can cause dehydration without us realising it. Therefore, it's essential to drink water throughout the day to keep hydrated in winter.
Staying hydrated in winter helps us stay warm
Water plays a crucial role in maintaining our core body temperature and dehydration can cause this to drop. By drinking enough fluids, we not only keep our bodies well-hydrated but it also help ourselves stay warm when it's cold outside.
Weight maintenance and loss
The colder weather can often make us exercise less and eat more (especially comfort foods), potentially leading to weight gain. Proper hydration allows our bodies to be more efficient at breaking down fats and converting them into energy. If you're on a weight loss journey, staying hydrated may assist you in achieving your goals.
Now that you understand the importance of staying hydrated in winter, you may be more motivated to top up your water bottle. However, be mindful of any extra calories from beverages. Limit your intake of sugary drinks, fruit juice, and alcohol, as they contain hidden sugars that can lead to overconsumption of calories. Opt for water as your primary hydrating drink of choice, which will help keep you hydrated whilst also supporting your health and wellness goals, and include our recommended Happy Way products listed above to amp up the benefits and flavour.
QUICK TIPS TO KEEP UP YOUR WATER INTAKE THIS WINTER
So, how can you make sure you're getting enough water this winter? Here are some friendly tips:
- Carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go. Whether you're working from home or heading out for a winter stroll, having a water bottle on hand will serve as a constant reminder to sip on that H2O throughout the day. Our Stainless Steel Drink Bottles are fully insulated, meaning they'll keep your water and cold drinks chilled, and your tea and hot drinks warm and toasty.
- Drink warm fluids to make hydration in winter more enjoyable. Opt for hot herbal teas or warming broths that not only keep you hydrated but also provide comforting warmth.
- Have a glass of water next to you at meal times to stay hydrated.
- Add flavour to your water. If the idea of plain water in cold weather gives you chills, try adding our recommended Happy Way products such as Protein Water, BCAAs, or our Super Greens and Super Reds to your H2O for a boost of flavour and nutrients.
- Incorporate water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet. Soups, salads, citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, and cucumbers are excellent choices to keep your water intake topped up.
- Start your day with a glass of water on your bedside table, ensuring you drink at least a glass before your morning coffee. Even better, add a scoop of Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water so you get the added benefits of electrolytes to kick start your day.
- Create a hydration routine. Have your water bottle filled as you start your day and give yourself a deadline for when it needs to be finished before refilling it (first bottle done by 11 am, second by 2 pm etc.), and make it your mission to drink at least 2 litres before the day ends. Use your phone to set alerts and remind yourself to top up your water bottle. It's all about building habits and making hydration a priority!
As we enter the cooler months, it becomes more challenging to stay hydrated. It's easy to forget to drink water, and many people are unaware of the risk of dehydration during colder weather. But with these top tips and essential Happy Way products by your side, you'll be equipped to keep yourself hydrated and healthy all winter long.
So, don't let the winter chill dampen your hydration efforts. Remember, water is your body's best friend, and keeping it happy will lead to a healthier and happier you. Keep warm and hydrate the Happy Way!
