How Water Aids in Weight Loss

To say that water is essential to the human health is an understatement. The human body is made up of 60% water. Body fluids are critical to the completion of hundreds of biological processes the body go through every second. Research shows that drinking water may also aid in weight loss. It can boost the metabolic rate, purge body wastes and even suppress the appetite. In addition, drinking more water reduces the chances of edema or water retention! To maximize weight loss by drinking water, consider these tips:

Drink Water before a Meal

Water is an effective appetite suppressant. Drinking water before and after every meal prolongs the feeling of fullness too. It also cuts back the number of calories you take in while you eat! According to health experts at WebMD, drinking water before a meal cuts back a person’s caloric intake by up to 75 calories. You could lose eight pounds every year just by drinking water alone!

Replace Sodas with Water

Did you know that fizzy drinks, colas, and sodas are essentially liquefied sugar? Drinking just a can of cola bombards the body with excess sugars that cause diabetes and obesity. Instead of drinking sodas or colas, choose plain water. Nothing quenches the thirst quite like water. You can also lose weight by choosing plain water because it improves the metabolic rate. Adding sliced lemons on plain water is a great appetite suppressant too! Lemon extract contains pectin, which reduces food cravings. Lemon slices also add subtle flavors to plain water.

Choose Ice Cold Water

Habitual drinking of cold water aids in weight loss by speeding up the metabolic rate. Health experts explain that the sudden drop in body temperature causes the body to warm right back up. This occurs by burning off more fat to stabilize the body temperature. By drinking ice cold water, the body temperature drops down, making the body work extra hard to warm up.

Aids in Work Out

We all know water is better than your average sports drink but how? Unlike sugary energy drinks or sports beverages, plain water lubricates the muscles and joints without the added sugars. When the muscles and joints are lubricated, you can exercise longer and harder in the gym. All these aids in weight loss.

Drink Water to Avoid Hangover

Partied too much the night before? Make sure you drink water before and after you retire to bed. This way, the intensity of your hangover won’t be as high. A hangover is usually caused by dehydration. When you’re hung over, you feel bloated. Drinking water cleanses the system. It also prevents edema so you don’t feel as bloated the next day. Even better, drinking water the night before and the morning after helps relieve a pounding headache.

Eat Whole Foods Rich in Water

Some types of fruits and vegetables contain water and fiber. Both nutrients are essential for weight loss. Celery, apples, pears, oranges, berries and grapes are just a few of fresh fruits and veggies that are high in water. The combination of fiber and water helps cut back cravings, reduce fat absorption and aids in weight loss.