You might not realize it, but the simple act of drinking more water can help you lose weight. It’s something you can do that’s simple and is one more tool in your tool box to a healthier lifestyle. While it doesn’t replace healthy eating and exercise, anymore than getting adequate sleep would, it’s part of living a healthier lifestyle. Drinking adequate water is important to your overall health. Long term mild chronic dehydration can cause nausea, muscle cramps and headaches. The older you are, the worse the complications can be. It can cause UTIs and in seniors, may even mimic dementia.
You’ll eat less if you fill up on water first.
Believe it or not, water can be an appetite suppressant. You just drink a glass of water before a meal and you’ll eat less than you otherwise might. Several studies found that people eat less at a meal when they drink a glass of water before eating. The savings is approximately 75 calories according to one study, but just think how that 75 calorie savings can add up over three meals a day, seven days a week. It’s 1575 in a week. When you consider cutting 3500 calories means you lose a pound. That’s almost a pound every two weeks.
Mild dehydration can make you think you’re hungry.
The body sends messages and if you’re attuned with your body, you understand them, but most people aren’t. Sometimes, the body sends the message when you’re thirsty, but it’s often interpreted as hungry. Have you ever felt hungry for something, but wasn’t sure what? All you knew is that something juicy sounded delicious. You may have been thirsty, not hungry. Next time you have a “mysterious craving or hunger,” try drinking a glass of water first.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, you often note everything you eat, but not everything you drink.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, ditch the soft drinks and sugary drinks. In most cases they don’t provide any nutrients and tons of calories. Even fruit juice should be replaced with water. You’re better off eating the whole fruit and getting the fiber. Don’t even think about diet colas. New studies show that drinking diet colas increase your waistline and put on visceral fat—the most unhealthy kind.
- If you want to boost your metabolism, drink some cold water. Ice cold water increases the calories you burn. The warming of the body after drinking something cold burns extra calories and boosts your metabolism.
- If you’re barely making it through that last rep at the gym, maybe you need a little hydration. Mild dehydration can cause an energy drop. Because of that, you’ll burn fewer calories.
- Carry a bottle of water with you and sip it throughout the day. You’ll keep your energy high, while also flushing your system of toxins.
- You may worry about drinking water if you’re bloated and carrying water weight. The opposite of your fears is true. Drinking more water can actually be diuretic to help you eliminate water weight.
For more information, contact us today at BioFit Performance