My major problem is NOT drinking while eating-suggestions please

This has been my #1 struggle. With the amount of protein I eat, I get SO thirsty. Combined with just being thirsty, I started out drinking while I ate and it interfered with my losing. I've had to stop. I still sip if my mouth is so dry that the food is sticking to the roof of my mouth. I have found my saliva and enzymes seem to have changed and things don't dissolve or break down in my mouth the same anymore. However, I don't take drinks like before. I'd rather not have something that minor stall me out.