Water: Your Secret Weight Loss Weapon
Krystal Clark
| 3 min read
When it comes to weight loss, there is no such thing as a magic pill. It’s a process that requires patience, dedication and more importantly, consistency. To be successful, you need a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as another element that can deliver big results—water.
The calorie-free beverage does more than just quench your thirst. Water affects the body on a cellular level. It can regulate temperature, transfer nutrients and yes, promote weight loss. One of the greatest tools for dropping pounds is hiding in your tap.
- Boosts Metabolism: Water is directly linked to your metabolism—a set of chemical reactions that maintain life within an organism. One of its primary roles is to convert food into energy, in other words, it burns calories. One study found that individuals who drank 500ml of water, induced thermogenesis and increased their metabolic rate by 30 percent.
- Suppresses Appetite: Consuming water can curb hunger by stretching the stomach and making you feel full. Drinking a glass before each meal may lower your chances of overeating, therefore limiting your caloric intake.
- Keeps You Hydrated: Have you ever heard the phrase: “You’re not hungry, you’re just thirsty?” Hunger and thirst are both regulated by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Because of this, the body can confuse a need for water with a need for food. Help your brain and waistline by staying hydrated and avoiding unnecessary snacks.
- Removes Waste: The human body is over 50 percent water. Without it, our kidneys struggle to filter toxins and expel bodily waste. This can lead to bloat, constipation, and other digestive problems. It also shows up on the scale as “water weight” and can bring your progress to a screeching halt.
How much water should you drink? That depends on your size, gender, and age. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicines provide multiple serving suggestions. In general, women are advised to consume 2.7 liters (91 ounces) of water each day, while men should aim for 3.7 liters (125 ounces).
If you struggle with these requirements, there are other options. You can meet your hydration needs by eating certain foods. Fruits such as watermelon, strawberries, and cantelope are over 90 percent water. You can also make homemade soups with water and vegetable puree.
Another flavorful alternative is tea. It’s the second-most consumed drink in the world and offers numerous health benefits. For example: Green tea is filled with antioxidants that can boost your metabolism, improve brain function, and lower your risk of cancer.
Overall, embracing water is one of the best decisions you can make. Drink up and reap the rewards.
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Photo Credit: 5PH
