We have talked to thousands of people concerning weight loss and one common problem is the lack of adequate water consumption. Most people drink one or two bottles of water per day, (which are only 16.9 oz.) and they think that is enough to keep them hydrated. Two bottles of water equal about 34 oz. of water. That is not enough when your body is made up of about 70% water. Hydration is key to weight loss.
Yet, most people think they are drinking enough. It is recommended that you drink at least HALF your body wieght in ounces. For example if you weight 200 pounds you should be drinking 100 oz. of water a day. Not tea, not coffee, not soda, not juices – WATER!
Benefits of Proper Hydration
If you are looking for a list, I am not going to give you one. Because it improves EVERYTHING! Your skin will glow, your nails will grow, your eyes will shine, and your body will thank you. However, I will tell you how proper hydration benefits weight loss.
Your kidney and liver are the primary filtration systems in your body. Your liver is primarily responsible for filtering blood from the digestive track; regulating the glucose (sugar), fat, and protein that enters your blood stream. The liver metabolizes…i.e. breaks down the fat and sugar that enters your blood stream. When your liver is working at its optimum level, the breakdown process aids the weight loss process.
However, when you are dehydrated; your kidney calls upon the liver to help in the filtration process because it does not have enough water to help flush out toxins. (the kidneys filter waste and excess water from your body). As a result, the liver cannot focus on the breakdown of sugar and fat, causing insulin levels to rise and you know what that means? Triggered storage of abnormal body fat (see my last blog about the effects of sugar on the body). Proper hydration ensures proper filtration of your body, which is needed for optimum health.
Furthermore, most times when we think we are hungry we are thirsty. If you think you are hungry, drink a large glass of water (12 oz. or more) and wait 20 to 30 minutes. If you still feel that you are hungry, you may be. Most times you are not. Also, if you do drink before a meal you will feel fuller faster and will not over consume. One study found that participants lost 5 pounds in a year just by drinking water before they ate a meal.
I Don’t Like to Drink Water. What Else Can I Do?
First, understand that you are an adult and there are things that you must do in life that you don’t like. Drinking water is one of them. There is no substitute. But to aid in the hydration process, you can drink flavored waters, such as Hint or Bai, but only one per day. You can also consume foods that are water based, such as cucumber, watermelon, and zucchini. There are also now flavored waters that are sweetened with Stevia that you can try. Stay away from drinks sweetened with aspartame (Equal) and sucralose (Splenda) as these have been shown to impede weight loss.
You may also want to read: Exercise and Weight Loss – Why it’s Important
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