Hydration And Weight Loss

It’s no secret that drinking water is good for your health especially in warmer weather, but what about when it comes to weight loss. Well in 2015 there was a study done in which individuals drank water with their meals for a total of 24 weeks and they all lost almost 14% more weight than those who did not drink water with their meals. This is because water is important to maintain break down what we eat, without water the body cannot properly metabolize fats and carbohydrates, this is called lipolysis.

Hydration and weight loss are closely related, as staying properly hydrated can support your overall health and aid in weight loss efforts. Here are some easy tips:

1. Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, or more if you are physically active or live in a hot climate.
2. Start Your Day with Water: Drinking a glass of water right after waking up can kickstart your metabolism and help flush out toxins.
3. Replace Sugary Drinks: Cut down on sugary sodas, juices, and energy drinks, which are high in calories and provide little nutritional value. Try infused water with frozen fruit instead.
4. Use Water as an Appetite Suppressant: Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, reducing the amount of food you eat. This can aid in portion control and weight management.
5. Monitor Your Urine Color: Aim for pale yellow urine, which indicates good hydration. Dark yellow or amber-colored urine may indicate dehydration.
6. Include Hydrating Foods: Many fruits and vegetables have high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and lettuce. These can contribute to your overall hydration.
7. Drink Water Regularly Throughout the Day: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water, as thirst is a sign that you're already slightly dehydrated.
8. Consider Electrolytes: If you're engaging in intense exercise or sweating heavily, consider replenishing electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water.
9. Make Hydration a Habit: Incorporate drinking water into your daily routine, such as carrying a water bottle with you, setting reminders, or using apps to track your intake.

Remember, while staying hydrated is important for overall health and can support weight loss, it should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Sarah Eno is passionate about supporting healthy lifestyle and mindset change. She graduated in Functional Nutrition in 2016. She has supported hundreds of individuals to a health-promoting lifestyle and believes that everyone has the opportunity to experience health. Sarah is a wife and mom of 3 boys. She loves cross-country skiing, yoga, her Peloton, and does fashion runway part-time.