By Guest Blogger ~ Pilar Cobb, bFit Studio
As you can feel……..summer is STILL here! Not only do we need plenty of water to replace lost fluids from warmer weather and exercise. Drinking water helps remove toxins and helps with weight loss!
Drinking water is one of the easiest efforts you can incorporate into your weight loss or weight maintenance plan. Think about it: unlike saying no to eating that delicious pastry at work or going to exercise class once or twice a week, making sure you are drinking enough water requires little to no will power.
There’s no excuse for not drinking enough water, and if you’re having trouble finding a way to fit your recommended 8 glasses a day into your schedule, it’s an easy fix.
Here are three reasons to make sure you’re drinking enough water every day:
1. Drinking Water Fills You Up
Did you know that often when you feel hungry, you really might be thirsty? Our mind tends to confuse hunger and thirst. When you find yourself hungry at odd times of the day, reach for a cup of water before grabbing food. If you really are hungry, you can still eat a snack afterwards. But let’s say your feelings of hunger do go away after drinking that cup of water. You’ve just saved yourself calories by not eating the snack your body didn’t really need!
Water is great because it fills us up and keeps us from overeating. Many diet and health books recommend drinking a glass of water before going to social events, like cocktail parties and sporting events, because doing so will prevent you from overeating the unlimited unhealthy snack foods likely to be there. In essence, drinking water buys you time–time to assess how hungry you are and to make better food choices. So the next time you’re about to enter a situation where ample unhealthy foods will be at your disposal, chug some water first.
2. Drinking Water Revs Up Your Metabolism
Dehydration is your body’s enemy. It slows bodily functions and metabolism. As a matter of fact, your metabolism will slow to conserve energy when you haven’t had enough water to drink, as your organs can’t and won’t function as efficiently. Scientifically speaking, drinking water has been proven to contribute to your body’s ability to burn calories. You body needs an adequate amount of water to properly function, especially during exercise, and dehydration prohibits the fat-burning process.
Drinking ice cold water first thing in the morning is an easy way to speed up your metabolism. Right when you wake up, drink a glass or two of cold water. Your body will have to warm up the water entering your system, which means increasing your metabolism in the process. It’s a simple step to add into your daily routine that, while not a miracle cure, can certainly contribute to your other weight loss efforts. (great to have fluids before exercise!)
3. Drinking Water Keeps You Healthy
Water flushes toxins from your body’s system, including those produced during exercise. It aids in keeping your joints lubricated–very important for both daily functions and in preventing your body from injury during exercise. In short, drinking water is vital to your other weight loss efforts including. If you’re working out regularly, drinking an adequate amount of water is extremely important.
Whether you’re just embarking on your weight loss plan or have been steadily making strides for some time, make sure you’re drinking enough water for your body to function correctly.
Tips to Help You Drink More:
Here are five tips from WebMD to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water:
- Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
- Choose beverages you enjoy; you’re likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
- Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you’re watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.
Pilar Cobb has been working in the health and fitness industry for 30 years. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Fitness Nutritionist & owner of bFit Studio. You may contact Pilar at 706-289-7736 or www.bfitcolumbus.com
Photo Credit: GraphicLeftovers.com
