Water for weight loss
Everyone thinks the most important factors in losing weight are eating less and exercising more. In my wellness & weight programme, I work with my clients to show them that there are so many more factors. Don’t get me wrong, good nutrition is critical and regular exercise has so many wonderful benefits mentally and physically but there are many other factors that could be impairing your metabolism and ability to lose weight and keep it off.
Did you know water is the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off?
1 – Your kidneys cannot function properly without water and their main job is to remove toxins and waste from the body and excess fluid. Hence one of the signs that you are not getting enough water is water retention and feeling bloated.
2 – Our clever bodies are very good at compensating so when the kidneys are struggling the liver steps in to give it a hand. That of course means your liver isn’t focussed fully on its job, which is breaking down and metabolising stored fat into energy, so that slows your metabolism down causing you to gain weight.
3 – 37% of people think they are hungry when in fact they are thirsty. Could you be eating when really you need to be drinking? Water is a natural appetite suppressant.
4 – Dehydration leads to feeling tired and having a lack of energy which means you are likely to move less, ditch that plan to exercise and therefore burn less calories.
5 – When the body is dehydrated it will steal water from your intestine. Another part of your body that relies on water for its digestive process. Without water you could become constipated leading to a build-up of toxins in your gut that get reabsorbed by the body, placing greater strain on the kidneys and liver.
So how much water do I need to drink?
If you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. So the key is to be drinking water at regular intervals all day. Aim for 8 large glasses or 2-3 litres a day. Remember, tea and coffee cause dehydration so they don’t count.
Tips for drinking more water
1 – Invest in a litre water bottle and keep it with you throughout the day so you can keep track of how much you drink. Just make sure its BPA free!
2 – Try to drink filtered water where possible so you are avoiding the chemicals in our tap water.
3 – Take a glass of water to bed, make it the first thing you drink when you wake up.
4 – Try drinking a glass of water when you feel hungry and before you eat.
5 – Add a little sugar free squash to your water if it makes it more appealing.
6 – Try Twinings, cold infuse tea bags for water bottles, choose ones that are sugar free and caffeine free.
7 – Alternatively try adding some fruit, cucumber or lemon and mint (which is also delicious warm).
For more information about my 21 day wellness and weight programme get in touch via email or give me a call.
