Drinking Water And Weight Loss
Can you really drink water to lose weight? Not surprisingly, the answer is yes. In fact, drinking water to lose weight will be the easiest thing you will do in your quest for a lean and fit body. There are many health benefits of drinking water as well. Obviously, drinking water is not difficult or time consuming, yet most people simply don’t drink enough.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, you might be able to survive for weeks, even months, without food. But you would only survive a precious few days without water. Why?
The human body is made up of approximately 60% water. Every major organ (including the liver, where most body fat is metabolized) relies heavily on an adequate water supply to function optimally. Without enough of this precious resource all bodily functions begin to decline.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Feeling thirsty is your body’s way of telling you that it has entered the early stages of dehydration. Drink water periodically throughout the day to maintain a healthy internal environment.
Drinking water and weight loss go hand in hand. Since you will undoubtedly be exercising to help lose weight, the importance of water is magnified. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise.
Drink Water To Lose Weight: Health Benefits Of Drinking Water
- Drinking enough water will increase the rate at which your body burns calories.
- Drinking water to lose weight will keep your body from retaining excess fluids.
- Water is a natural appetite suppressant.
- It can help prevent heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
- Water helps eliminate wastes and byproducts.
- It helps promote skin and eye health.
- Water increases energy levels.
- Drinking water will decrease your resting heart rate and core temperature, allowing you to exercise more vigorously before reaching fatigue.
Drinking Water And Weight Loss: How Much Is Enough?
If you’re drinking water to lose weight, on average, you should be getting at least 96 oz. per day. That’s eight 12 oz. glasses. You should add an additional 8 oz. for every 25 lbs. you are over your ideal weight.
The amount of water you consume should be increased if you live in a hot climate or are exercising strenuously. Keep a bottle of cold, fresh water with you throughout the day. It’s an easy way to measure consumption as well as a constant reminder to drink up.