Most “long-time dieters” are familiar with the mantra to “drink more water”. In my initial consultations with my clients, about 9 out 10 answer “I need to drink more water.” when I ask them what they think they need to do to achieve their weight loss goals.
So what’s the deal, right? Is water the magic cure for weight loss? No, but it does play an important factor because hydration is critical for a healthy body since your body is made up of 65-75% water.
1. Water flushes toxins from your system.
Toxins lead to weight gain so obviously the more toxin-free you can keep your body, the better chance you are giving it to get to your ideal weight. These toxins also affect your joints & ear, nose & throat so if you are properly hydrated you can easily be more active which is another critical component to weight loss.
2. Water fills your stomach.
When you are legitimately hungry, you should eat! However sometimes our mind is playing tricks on us & we feel hungry when we are not. Hunger and thirst signals are controlled in the same part of your brain. Or have you ever gotten to the point where you are SO hungry that you reach for instant satisfaction from foods that are not the best choices? In these cases, water is your best friend. So the next time that empty feeling strikes, quickly guzzle 8 ounces of water & wait 15 minutes for your brain to get its signal. If you are still hungry after that time, of course you should eat! But I guarantee that famished feeling will have subsided & you will be able to make some healthy choices at that point.
3. Water nourishes your skin.
Your thirsty skin wants a drink! Water is just as vital to the outside of your body as it is to the inside. Water helps to moisturize skin—your body’s largest organ—increasing its elasticity and replenishing its cells and tissues. This is a wonderful benefit while you are losing weight so you don’t end up with excessive skin flabbiness.
How much water do you need?
Ideally, take your weight & divide it by 2, then drink that amount in ounces per day. So if you weigh 180 pounds, you want to strive for 90 ounces of water per day. Yeah – that’s a lot! But the good news is you can get your water from different sources as well. Raw fruits & vegetables, 100% fruit juices (in limited quantities), milk, tea, etc. I get 24 of my ounces per day from my two Ultimate ProFit Protein Shakes & daily dose of Greens.
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