Losing Weight and Feeling Great

We all know we’re supposed to drink plenty of water every day. It’s good for your skin, and it keeps your internal organs working smoothly. But did you also know that drinking more water can help you lose weight? It’s easier than lifting weights and a whole lot cheaper than purchasing an elliptical machine.

Are You Drinking Enough?

Most people don’t drink enough water, which means they’re usually dehydrated. When the body isn’t getting enough fluids, it does its best to retain water. The water it stores has to go somewhere, so it tends to get packed away where it creates unflattering bulges on your body–kind of like a camel! When you consistently drink more water, your body gets the idea that it doesn’t need to store water. By the way, if you’re worried about running to the bathroom more often, you’ll be pleased to know that this side effect wears off once your body gets accustomed to having all the water it needs.

Burn Calories Drinking Water

Drinking water helps burn more calories, too. Here’s why: The liver is responsible for metabolizing calories in your body, converting it to energy. However, the liver also has the job of assisting overworked kidneys with their job of removing waste from your body. When you don’t drink enough water, the kidneys don’t function as well, which means your liver has to pick up some of the workload. When that happens, your liver can’t devote as much energy to metabolizing. Drinking plenty of water means your kidneys and liver have an easier time doing their respective jobs, which leads to greater weight loss.

Finally, drinking water will encourage you to eat less. Most people are so used to being dehydrated that they mistake signs of thirst with hunger pangs. Instead of getting something to drink, they grab a muffin or a candy bar instead. Drinking water will cut down on snacking. Plus, drinking water before each meal will make you feel more full, which means you won’t eat quite as much.

There are oodles of other health benefits associated with drinking water, too. It can help clear up your skin, tighten your pores, and give you a healthy glow. You’ll also have more energy, and your joints will be well lubricated.

Drinking Water for Weight Loss

Get used to drinking more water, preferably eight to ten 8oz glasses a day. You don’t have to cut diet soda or coffee from your diet altogether; instead, you should commit to drinking two additional glasses of water for every cup of soda or coffee you drink.  And if the taste of water isn’t appealing to you, add some lemon, or try flavored water instead.

And one more thing — always keep a bottle of water with you at all times!