The colors of fall are quickly fading and the rain has returned to western Washington. At this time of the year it seems like we have way too much water, and yet people still don’t seem to be able to hydrate themselves properly. Drinking coffee or tea all day long can keep you warmer during the darker time of the year, but can also leave you feeling dehydrated. Here’s what I do to make sure I’m getting enough water.

• Have a glass of water first thing in the morning. I usually do this while my coffee is brewing. Not only do I give my body some water after a night’s sleep, but this also prevents my coffee from going straight into an empty stomach.

• Only drink ice water with meals. If you think about our ancestors they probably didn’t have much more than cold, wild, running water to drink. They certainly weren’t washing down their wildebeest with this fall’s choicest imported Merlot. I find the ice water sits well in my stomach and helps with the digestion of my meal. Your body also has to work to heat that water to body temperature before it can fully use it, so you’re using some energy just to process your meal.

• Follow alcoholic beverages with a glass of water. If you can get some water in between or along with your drinks you’ll feel much better waking the next morning.

Stay, safe, happy and health this Thanksgiving and remember to have some ice water with your meal.