February 28, 2022
Drinking Water To Lose Weight
When it comes to weight loss, we look at everything possible that can help! Most people take a look at the food they eat first, which makes sense. But another factor to consider is the amount of water you drink.
That’s right, that clear liquid gold for our bodies could be a key ingredient when we want to lose weight. Water plays a large part in our wellness and the general health of our bodies.
Why is water so important?
Along with eating fresh foods, drinking water is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. And it makes sense – water makes up almost 60% of our bodies!
Water helps with most bodily functions. It helps regulate our body temperature and aids in blood circulation. Water also helps our bodies digest food. Overall, the more hydrated you are, the better your body will function. And when your body works efficiently, it’s also better at burning off those excess pounds.
When we don’t drink enough water, our bodies are dehydrated. Dehydration can cause some not so good things like fatigue and poor digestion, leading to bathroom problems. If you feel thirsty, you’re most likely already dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, brain fog and low blood pressure.
Can water help me lose weight?
Can drinking more water actually help you see results on the scale? It’s possible! There are several reasons why. Of course, it depends on the individual and that person’s unique body composition, along with everyday behaviors.
A lot of times when we think we’re hungry, we may actually be thirsty. Studies show increased water intake throughout the day can make us feel full and lower our desire to eat. This means we eat less food and take in less calories.
Water keeps the digestive system functioning like a rock star! It helps move waste through the body. It also helps the kidneys filter toxins while retaining essential nutrients and electrolytes. In turn, staying hydrated may help you feel less bloated which could lead to a smaller waistline.
Drinking more water means it’s likely you’re cutting back on other types of liquids. Sugary soft drinks, sports drinks and other beverages carry excess empty calories (calories that don’t help our bodies in a functional way.) Drinking less of these and more water will cut down the total amount of calories you take in, and you may lose some weight that way.
Water can boost your metabolism! Metabolism is the process through which your body turns the food and drinks you consume into energy to use. A study published showed drinking more water speeds up metabolism by increasing lipolysis – the process through which fats are broken down in our bodies.
It’s important to keep in mind that moving is essential to healthy bodies as well. Along with everything we’ve already mentioned, water can help your body move more efficiently. Staying hydrated can make exercise easier and more productive, increasing calories burned.
How many bottles of water should I drink each day?
The amount of water you need depends on factors like age, body size and activity level. Here are the current recommendations for cups of water (eight ounces) per person, excluding the water-filled foods you eat:
~ Adult males – 13 cups
~ Adult females – 9 cups
~ Children aged 4 to 8 – 5 cups
~ Children aged 9 to 13 – 7-8 cups
~ Children aged 14 to 18 – 8-11 cups
If you need an easier way to aim for a good amount of water, take your weight and divide it by two. That is how many ounces of water you should get each day. And be sure to hydrate all day. Your body constantly needs water, so you should be drinking your water throughout the day.
If you sweat a lot or exercise regularly, your body will benefit with a boost in water consumption. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends endurance athletes or anyone participating in intense activity for an hour or longer also get added electrolytes to help replenish minerals that are lost through sweat.
How to boost your water intake.
OK, you’ve decided you need to drink more water. Way to go! We’re proud of you.
There are several ways you can increase water intake. Here’s a few of our recommendations:
1. Start early. Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning to help your body rehydrate from what you lose overnight.
2. Drink a full glass of water before each meal. This will help you get more water in and may help you feel fuller and cut down the amount of food you eat.
3. Add water into your work breaks. When you need a minute to stretch your legs, use it as a reminder to drink water.
4. Get more produce in your diet each day. Lots of fruits and veggies have a high amount of water content. Start small by adding a serving to one of your meals during the day.
5. Add a flavor enhancer. Water is easier to drink when it tastes better, right? Try a True Citrus unsweetened Fruit Infusion or Wedge Replacement to give your water a refreshing spark of flavor without the added calories!
Here’s a question that could be burning in your brain: does coffee count as water?
Caffeine contains certain chemicals that makes it a diuretic. It stimulates urine production (so it makes you have to go to the bathroom more often). This means it actually has the opposite effect and can be dehydrating. Now we’re not saying don’t have your coffee… but you should also know when you may need to add extra water to make up for it.
Happy hydrating!
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