Benefits of drinking water to aid in Weight Loss
written by Angela Emde
Find Out Why Drinking Water Helps Your Daily Diet And Weight Loss Efforts
When I was growing up I played sports and my siblings and I were always encouraged by my parents
to drink plenty of water. As I started to get older, I fell into the bad habit of drinking diet soda.
My soda habit didn't totally replace my daily water intake but I know it diminished it.
A few months ago, I quit drinking soda and replaced it with water.
I can already feel a difference in my skin tone and of course it is
helping with my weight loss efforts because it fills me up and I am less
apt to overeat. Drinking water daily is definitely a habit now and I feel
much better because of it!
The importance of drinking water is mentioned in almost every article
on weight loss. It is a very important fact that we need to drink water
whether we are dieting or not. It is water that assists with the dissolving
and transporting of nutrients such as oxygen and minerals to the organs
of the body.
I know many people will say YUK to water but drinking other fluids may
hydrate your body but you will need to consider the extra calories and
sugar in them if trying to lose weight. Also it maybe time to learn to like to
drink water due to the health benefits water provides. If water is not you
your thing, try flavouring it with a slice of lemon or start with mixing half
apple/orange or cranberry juice with water.
Here are 8 reasons to drink 8 x 250ml glasses of water per day.
1. We need water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can have
devastating effects on our health and has been linked to constipation,
headaches, dizziness, leg cramps and more…
2. Water helps rid the body of waste, by flushing out toxins from the
fat cells. This process can eliminate problems with constipation.
3. Water helps the kidneys to function properly. When insufficient
water is drunk the kidneys cannot work properly and this has an effect
on our liver. It is the livers job to convert stored fat to energy.
If the liver needs to do some of the work that the kidneys should be
doing, than the liver can not work as it should do to metabolize fat
and therefore the fat is stored rather than broken down and used as
energy.
4. Water aids in the burning of fat. To burn fat the fat cells need to first
be free of excess water and toxins. One reason you may not be losing
weight is your not drinking enough water so your body holds on to what
water it gets for survival. Our metabolic rate is the rate in which we burn
calories. Water is required for this process to function at its best.
Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat
deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually
reduce fat deposits.
5. Water suppresses the appetite naturally. When your stomach is full of
water, you’ll feel full sooner. If you think you are hungry, drink a glass of
water and wait 10 minutes before eating something as you may just be
thirsty. (However water should not be substituted for food, still eat
your 3 meals per day and 2-3 healthy snacks per day)
6. Enough water helps reduce water retention. To get rid of excess
water, one has to consume more water. This is because if not enough
water is drunk the body goes into survival mode and stores water in
extra-cellular spaces. This can show up as swollen feet, legs, hands.
7. Water helps maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their
natural ability to contract more effectively. Muscle tone will prevent the
sagging skin that usually follows weight loss.
8. Water does wonders for your skin it leaves you with a clear,
glowing complexion as impurities have been washed out of your
system.
Suggested ways to include water in your daily diet are:
• Have a glass of water at every meal time. Breakfast, Mid-morning,
Lunch, Mid-afternoon, Supper.
• Keep a water bottle full at your desk or if you’re at home on the kitchen
counter and reach for it to sip from throughout the day.
• Take a bottle of water with you in the car to sip when waiting in traffic.
• Drink water prior and after exercise. Naturally if you are exercising
more water will be required than the daily recommended.
Once you have reached your weight loss goal continue to feed your
body with water on a daily basis.
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About the Author
Angela Emde, Wellness Coach assisting others take small steps to a healthier life.
http://www.slim4summer.com
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