We all know about the importance of drinking water, but do you know all the different ways water affects your body to help you lose weight?
Just a few daily changes can actually make a big difference!
Water and Calorie Intake
One of the biggest reasons to drink water over soda or alcohol is water has no calories or sugar. Replacing all or even most of your sweeter drinks with water makes a big difference in reducing your caloric intake over weeks, months, and years. If the water is cold, your body even burns a few calories to warm it up.
But that’s not all. It’s common for people on diets to try and downsize their portions, but that can be hard if they aren’t used to it. However, studies show that many times, if you’re in the early stages of dehydration, you actually feel hungry before you feel thirsty. So drink a glass of water before your next meal or snack – it might just curb your appetite. If not, water helps you fill up your stomach, so it will take less food for you to feel full.
Water and Metabolism
‘Metabolism’ is a big umbrella term that covers all the chemical processes our body performs to keep it alive and functioning. Water plays a role in almost every single one of those processes. Think about how you sweat when you’re hot – that’s a way your body cools you down. But where does sweat come from? That’s right – water. It’s why you’re told to drink more when you’re exercising or out in the sun. Water keeps your metabolism running so your body can flush out the toxins that contribute to fat storage, especially through your kidneys and urine. Most of fat’s metabolism is done by your liver, but once you dehydrate, your liver actually takes up some of the slack from your kidneys, so less fat is broken down for energy. Water is important to circulation as well. Blood is actually half plasma, and plasma is about 92% water. If you are dehydrated, your blood is more viscous and doesn’t travel to the extremities – or to fat stores – much to conserve energy and water. If that happens, fat doesn’t get the metabolizing proteins needed to break it up and it can’t release its toxins into your bloodstream for transport to the kidneys. That conservation is a sign that your body is going into survival mode, and you’ll actually retain what water you have left around your ankles, thighs, and stomach.
Water and Exercise
A big part of any healthy routine is exercise, but do you ever call it quits because your muscles are too tired or your head is aching?
Those are both symptoms of dehydration. Your muscles actually need water to transport electrolytes and nutrients and remove the wastes that cause cramps. Between that and sweating, be sure to bring a drink a bunch before, during, and after your workout. Your body will thank you.
Our team is eager to help you make that life-changing first step and to help guide you to a healthier life! SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
