Hydration and Weight Loss
Think drinking water isn't important in your weight loss
efforts? Think again. We all know the importance of diet and
exercise but what about hydration? The human body is
approximately 80% water, if you intend to improve your body, you
need to remember the basics.
The average person needs to drink about 2L [64oz] of water a
day. If you drink coffee [or other heavily caffeinated drinks
such as Coke or Pepsi] you should add an extra glass of water
for every glass you have. There are other variables you need to
consider as well, such as people who live in hotter climates
will need to drink more then the base 2 litres a day then
someone living in a colder region.
If you are walking or doing exercise like cardio or weights you
need to be increasing your water intake. The sweat produced from
these activities helps keep your core body temperature constant,
you need to replace the water used. Basically the more you do
the more water you need to keep hydrated.
But be careful
It is possible to drink too much water - you can get 'water
intoxication' [that can lead to death] In the US, college
students were dying as they were consuming mass amounts
[gallons] of water as part of some frat initiations. Some
symptoms of too much water are: dizziness, nausea, apathy,
vomiting, and confusion [much the same as dehydration so you
need to be aware of how much you are actually drinking]. The
excess water dilutes the salt content in the blood which can
result in serious problems, including death.
Remember you also get water from most fruits and veggies
as well as other foods not just drinking actual water
Personally, I've noticed when I've drunk too much water I tend
to feel very bloated and sluggish. I noticed this when I was
drinking "8 cups a day", hence why I now carry a water bottle
instead, I'll just take a sip now and then rather then force
myself to drink cup/s of water. Listen to YOUR body - it'll let
you know when you've haven't had enough or too much.
Don't like the taste of water?
Then try adding a little twist to it. Add some lemon or lime
juice into your water [freshly squeezed is the best] it will add
a little flavour to the water and can help if you are used to
drinking flavoured drinks.
Not enough for you?
Still not convinced that drinking water is good for you? Then
have a look at these other great benefits:
Water contains no calories [flavoured water - ie sports water,
added lemon juice - does contain some calories, check the
Nutritional Info on the bottle.]
Drinking water also helps the skin look great. It can help keep
you looking more youthful and helps with its elasticity - which
is really good for those trying to lose weight.
Keeping hydrated helps keep your hair looking healthy.
And finally, drinking more water can help boost your energy
levels.