Water. The Earth in covered in it and your body is primarily composed of it but how does water relate to weight loss? You hear over and over that drinking 8 glasses a day is important (read on to hear the new rule) but why?
1) We always hear that when we don’t eat enough food, our body goes into starvation mode and hangs onto every calorie it can. The same is true for water. Our body needs water to survive so when we deprive ourselves of this essential element, our body hordes it. When we begin to drink the appropriate amount of water, our body can let go of its stores resulting in reduced weight and inches. Now remember that this process will leave you running to the restroom and feeling like every bit you drink is passing straight through. Once your body gets rid of the excess, this will even out.
2) Simply put, your liver has many functions. One of them is processing fat. Another is taking over for the kidneys when we are dehydrated. You see the problem here. When we don’t have enough water, our kidneys can’t do their job which forces the liver to give up some of its fat processing responsibility and pick up the slack for the kidneys. More fat is stored.
3) Often times, our brain doesn’t know the difference between hunger and thirst. People who drink a lot of water tend to eat fewer calories. People who drink water with meals eat less at each meal. A healthy weight loss program includes a moderately reduced calorie diet. Water can help you achieve this more comfortably.
4) Another aspect of a healthy diet is fiber. When fiber is consumed without water, we become constipated and hang on to toxins.
5) Proper hydration is essential to a great workout. Muscles that are hydrated can contract harder than when they lack water. Water lubricates your joints which makes you less prone to injury and even discomfort. Water flushes toxins making you feel less sore and more quickly ready for the next workout. Hydration increases your endurance. The list of positive effects on your workout goes on and on.
So, how much water do we need? The new rule states one ounce of water for every two pounds of body weight. This means a 150 pound person needs 75 ounces of water a day. Sound overwhelming? You can do it. Please tell your trainer you have set this goal for yourself. We will help you achieve it just like so many of the other goals we have already achieved together.
