Unfortunately one of the main reasons people struggle with weight loss and dieting is the lack of water they drink on a daily basis.
Water is the central foundation to every health and fitness goal. You probably know that without water living would be impossible but why is it so important for losing weight?
Not drinking enough water could be the reason you are not losing weight.
Water is the most valuable substance you consume and has a wide variety of essential functions that are the source of life. Let's take a look at a few of the functions water performs in your body and the reasons why it is so important to drink enough water.
Water makes up 60-70% of your body.
It assists in digestion, absorption and assimilation which gives you the complete vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from the foods you eat
Water helps with the excretion of waste from the bowels and kidneys. It will help you to avoid constipation and will relieve stress on your kidneys.
Controlling your body temperature and keeping your body regulating in different situations and actions is another task water performs in your body
Reduced head aches and stomach bloating are a result of increased water intake
Water also makes up 92% of your blood that helps with nutrient distribution.
Proper hydration will help keep your skin smoother and healthier
It also Lubricates and heals the joints and muscles.
These are just a few of the important things water accomplishes in your system.
But why is water so important for weight loss?
Many people search for appetite suppressants to curve their hunger when the best way to feel fuller is to drink more water. Your brain treats hunger and thirst the same so when you think you are hungry, your brain could actually be signaling you that you are thirsty. People who do not consume enough water throughout the day usually develop hunger pains more than those who drink enough water. Drinking cold water is the best choice. It not only quenches your thirst but can actually boost your metabolism as the water has to be warmed up, burning calories.
Another thing that you should know is that drinking water consistently throughout the day will keep you from over eating, having cravings for sweets and can accelerate your energy levels the natural way. There are many other benefits as well; these are just a few select ones.
Try it! When you feel hungry drink a big glass of water and wait five minutes to see if you are still hungry. Try always having a bottle of water with you, taking sips every so often and see the affects it has on your appetite. You could also try drinking a large glass of water before eating breakfast to accelerate your metabolism, preparing your body to be a fat burning machine the rest of the day.
Are you drinking enough during the day to keep yourself hydrated?
The average person needs about 6-8 large glasses of water every day. You must also take in to consideration how much you sweat, your caffeine consumption, and amount of daily exercise as these are indicators that you will need to increase your water intake.
If you are not a huge fan of water, eating fruit with high water content is another great way to increase your water consumption without drinking plain water. Fruit with high water content will also fill up your stomach with fewer calories and tons of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients for a healthy body. There are other foods that have a high content of water and most can be easily recognized like some fruits and vegetables but certain diets may limit foods with high water content. In this case you will simply have to drink more water.
Diuretics like coffee, pop, and caffeinated drinks cause the body to lose water and dehydrate the body. By cutting back on these drinks, you will decrease the amount of water you need to consume and your body's absorption of vitamins and minerals will be greater.
Try to always have a bottle of water with you to take sips every so often and see the affects it has on your appetite.
How do you know whether or not you are consuming enough water?
There are several easily noticeable warning signs that your body is not getting enough water and is becoming dehydrated.
Headaches. Headaches are the most common symptom of dehydration. Water flushes out all the toxins in your body and makes up 75% up your brain. No wonder a lack of water causes a headache!
Lack of concentration and fatigue. With a built up amount of toxins in your body due to a lack of water, you will see a drop in your energy level as your body is concentration on dealing with the unwanted toxins in your body.
Constipation. Water in your body will be directed to more vital functions resulting in painful and harder stools from the lack of water.
Reduced urine output or dark urine. 200 liters of water is passed through your kidney's every day so a lack of water will limit your kidney's filtering ability, resulting in darker urine.
Dry mouth and bad breath. When not enough water is frequently passing through your mouth to rinse away the food particles, bacteria can create dry mouth syndrome and bad breath over time.
Skin. Water keeps your skin looking and feeling clear and smooth so if your skin develops dry spots, coloring, and roughness, it could be an indication of you is dehydrating your body.
Final thoughts
If you are serious about becoming leaner and healthier, drinking water is an absolute must. Nothing is more important to your health than drinking enough water, so give it a shot and start drinking more to help you achieve weight loss the natural way and put you on the right tract to a healthier lifestyle.
Have a great day and God bless!
Jared Wash is an author with certifications by ACSM, NESTA, and ISSA in personal trainer, nutritionist, and online fitness coaching for weight loss. His mission with top weight loss site is to guide people away from false lies and myths in the fitness industry while focusing on true health and weight loss cardio workout methods.
