Drink up for Energy and Weight Loss

As the warmer months approach and you’re in a more active mode, staying well hydrated becomes especially important. You may know that water is an essential nutrient, but did you know it’s also a great energy booster? Drinking too little may lead to chronic dehydration, leaving you sluggish and fatigued. In her book Outsmarting Female Fatigue, Debra Waterhouse, R.D., explains that the lack of energy you experience today could be a result of not drinking enough water yesterday. This is because water facilitates all biochemical reactions, including the production of the vital ATP molecules that power our bodies.

Can consuming enough water each day also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight? Research suggests that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together. When you become even slightly dehydrated, you may mistake thirst for hunger, eating when your body actually needs fluids. You can easily prevent overeating due to thirst by making a point to drink a glass of water before each meal or snack. This is not only healthier, since you’re sure to stay well hydrated, but it will also benefit your waistline, keeping you focused on eating appropriately, which is when you are addressing true body hunger.

You’ve heard of the importance of a healthy metabolism─the rate at which you burn calories─for weight loss. Did you know this function is affected by your daily water consumption? Metabolism is a chemical process requiring water, and insufficient water consumption can hinder this process. Staying well hydrated is also very important to ensure healthy digestion and to prevent constipation.

How much should you be drinking each day? You’re safe with the generally agreed upon 8 glasses. You can also zero in on what is best for you based on your body weight. A basic guideline is to drink one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. For example, a 200 lb. person would ideally consume 100 ounces─12.5 cups per day─while someone weighing in at 100 lbs. should drink at least 6.5 cups daily.

The best way to sip consistently is to keep water handy. Invest in a water delivery service if possible─preferably steam distilled water. This makes it convenient to fill up smaller eco-friendly bottles, keeping them readily available. Position water bottles on your bedside table, the bathroom, your desk at work, even by your TV remote control.

Think of your water bottle as a permanent accessory, so you don’t get caught in a major thirst on the road. This way, you can avoid public drinking fountains. Since most public water sources don’t use filtered water, you may be quenching your thirst with not only water, but lead and chlorine as well. Instead, keep it pure when you drink. Your body will thank you.

When you need a little zing, you can enliven your water with a squeeze of lemon, lime, or orange, dilute fruit juices with sparkling water, and take advantage of delicious, caffeine-free herbal teas, both hot and iced. Add a glass of water for every alcoholic drink and cup of coffee too, since they are both dehydrating fluids. Staying well hydrated benefits every cell in your body. Your skin will glow in gratitude, and you’ll feel better─with energy to spare.