Water is the most essential part of a weight loss program. Water naturally suppresses appetite, speeds up metabolism, reduces water retention and has no calories. In fact, water is truly nature's miracle cure for obesity.
Water Suppresses Appetite
Water diminishes hunger. In fact, dieters often mistake hunger signals for thirst. By consuming water regularly, the body stays hydrated and signals do not get misread. When dieters feel hungry it is recommended that they consume a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. Often hunger will be diminished as a result.
Water Speeds Up Metabolism
Drinking water helps dieters burn three percent more calories. While this may not seem like much to some people, it can be the difference between holding onto a few extra pounds and losing weight. If exercise and diet is not aiding weight loss, water may be needed to kick the metabolism into higher gear.
Drinking Water Reduces Water Retention
Water consumption actually diminishes water retention. This may seem odd to some but the body is holding onto extra water because it is dehydrated. By drinking water, the body does not need to hold onto the extra water it has been trying to conserve. As a result, water is flushed out of the system and bloating is reduced. It is important to point out that the body may not want to immediately give up the extra water it has been holding onto in survival mode but water retention will be reduced more and more over time.
Water Contains No Calories
Water is calorie-free. In fact, an easy way to lose weight is to substitute water for all other drinks. If sugary coffee drinks, soda beverages (even diet soda can cause water retention and stimulate cravings) and beer are regularly consumed substituting water in their place will cause a dramatic reduction of calories before food intake is even altered. This will often lead to immediate weight loss.
Water Is Good For The Body
Water has many health benefits. In fact, the body is made up of mostly water and this liquid helps the body function properly.
The benefits of drinking water include:
- increased metabolism
- reduction of water retention
- headache relief
- IBS symptoms diminished
- reduction of menstrual cramps and bloating
- lowered cholesterol
- blood pressure stays low
- skin complexion is improved
- toxins are relieved from the body
How Much Water Should Be Consumed
The typical recommendation for water consumption is to drink 64 ounces of water everyday. This may sound like a lot but if it is consumed throughout the day it won't seem like too much. Water is found naturally in fruit and vegetables so consuming these regularly can help individuals reach water consumption goals. These foods also contain fiber and important nutrients.
Drinking water to lose weight is very effective. Consuming water regularly throughout the day increases metabolism, suppresses appetite and results in decreased body fat. Water also provides many health benefits.
WebMD "Water and Your Diet:Staying Slim and Regular with H2O" (accessed March 22, 2010)
Jennifer Fidalgo - I am a wife and mother currently living in Northern, NJ. I am a full time mother with an interest in freelance writing. I have been ...
