If you struggle with losing weight this one simple step could be the missing link in all your efforts.
Simply – drink more water.
Our bodies are made up of 2/3 water and if we don’t get enough, all of the body’s processes can’t function properly.
And, lets be clear, other liquids won’t do the body justice. A lot of people think if they just get in enough fluid they’re good. Wrong. Just as your body needs and requires oxygen it’s the same for good ‘ole H20.
So how does it contribute to weight gain?
For many it’s difficult to differentiate thirst vs. hunger. So, when we’re actually thirsty, we tend to grab something to eat thus consuming more calories than needed. So, the body could be screaming, “Hey! I’m dehydrated over here!” and we misinterpret it as, “Ah, I guess I need to eat more because I’m still hungry”. This can cause unnecessary weight gain, especially in those who are sedentary and if not enough water is consumed on a regular basis.
If you have a difficult time figuring out if you’re either hungry or thirsty do the following steps:
- Drink a full glass (or 2) of pure water before your meals.
- If you had a full meal and shortly thereafter feel hungry again, drink a tall glass of water, wait 10 minutes and see if you’re still hungry. Then you’ll know if your body was really signaling for more water or for more energy (food).
Hydrating your body also boosts your metabolism! When you drink enough water the cells and enzymes responsible for eliminating toxins and flushing fat out of the body can work properly and efficiently. Your whole body will be running in full balance rather than being slow and sluggish and causing weight gain.
It’s not just about weight-loss. Other benefits include:
- Increased energy – the first sign of dehydration is fatigue and sometimes a headache. When the tissues and cells don’t have enough water their normal functions become sluggish thus making us feel sluggish as well. Once we consume enough water for repletion energy reserves speed back up and sometimes the headache goes away.
- Relief of constipation – when the body lacks water it doesn’t have enough for the elimination process. Without eliminating the foods we digest we gain weight, toxins build up in the body and we don’t feel too good either. Constipation can lead to other issues such as gas, bloating and nausea. Keep your digestive system in good health and you’ll be in good health!
Live it!
We all have to develop the habit to drink throughout day! Bring a water bottle with you everywhere. If you see it you’ll be more likely to drink up. And if you get tired of just plain water, infuse your water with lemon, lime or orange slices, strawberries, or ginger and mint.
