A common health myth is that everyone needs to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.  However, there's no scientific research backing this claim; each of our needs for water is a bit different depending on our bio-individuality, where we live, our activity level, and our diet.  The key is to listen to your body and respond to any sense of thirst.  Be sure to keep something to drink at hand at all times so you don't get dehydrated simply due to inconvenience.

 

Obviously the wide variety of sodas, heavily marketed "energy drinks" and "supplement waters" are not a healthy way to stay hydrated.  They are all loaded with sugar.  Most of us are less active in the winter, and extra sugar in our diet is the last thing we need to maintain a healthy weight.  So here are some healthy ideas to help you drink more.  Make water more interesting with a squeeze of citrus (lime, lemon, orange) or slices of cucumber (try it!).  If water doesn't appeal to you when it's cold, try drinking herbal or weak green tea (the latter is a great appetite suppressant, by the way).  Another option is diluted chicken broth:  a steamy and comforting mug can rejuvenate the soul on a cold day.  Low-sodium soups in general are a delicious way to give your body water.  Check out this months' recipe!  You might also try a mug of hot water with a slice of lemon or perhaps a few slices of fresh ginger; add a teaspoon of honey if you wish.  This tonic is a great way to start the day with H2O and soothe your gut and your throat at the same time.  Don't let the winter blues get you down.  Be creative in staying hydrated to ensure a high-energy winter!