Water is an essential element that your body needs to function properly. The human body consists of more than 70 percent water, according to Bodybuildingforyou.com. When incorporating fitness into your weight loss program, it's important to consume adequate amounts of water before, during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. Primarily, drinking pure water is one of the best and most natural methods used to assist in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight.
Benefits of Drinking Water
The benefits of drinking at least eight glasses of water a day are that it helps suppress the appetite and metabolize stored fat. The more water you drink, the less your body stores fat. Weight loss programs stress the importance of limiting your calorie intake through foods and beverages. Water has zero calories--unlike juice, tea and soda--and with increased consumption, you not only maintain a low-calorie diet, but you flush out harmful toxins and prime the body for weight loss.
Water Retention
Your body can lose an average of four cups of water a day through sweat, urine, bowel movements and breathing, according to the Mayo Clinic. It's vital to replenish the water you lose and consume enough to prevent unwanted water retention. In addition, excess water weight can keep a few pounds on and make you feel bloated. When your body doesn't receive sufficient amounts or water, it kicks into survival mode and retains water. Just by increasing your water intake, you can potentially drop 4 to 5 lbs. of water weight within the first week.
How Often to Drink Water
The best way to maximize your weight loss and make use of your drinking water is to consume water throughout the entire day; hydrating yourself during the day helps keep your body in balance. You should drink a quart of water first thing in the morning and one at about noon and one more in the evening between 5 and 6 p.m., according to The Colon Therapists Network. Each of these quarts of water should be consumed in about 30 minutes. In addition, incorporate drinking water with each meal and in between meals.
Water Temperature for Weight Loss
The best way to drink water is when it's ice cold; cold water absorbs into your system quicker. In addition, the body needs to warm up the water in order to function properly, requiring the use of energy, burning more calories. Drinking eight, 8-oz. glasses of ice cold water burns an estimated 70 calories a day, according to Discovery Health. Although the number sounds great, you shouldn't depend on daily water consumption as your primary source for weight loss.
Sources of Water
Your daily water intake doesn't have to come straight from the tap. Many foods such as fruits, vegetables or even soups have a certain amount of water that can contribute to your daily water expenditure. Beverages including tea, coffee, sports drinks, fruit juice and milk also contain a portion of water, but with calories, according to Shape magazine. Furthermore, the best approach when losing weight is to limit your calorie and caffeine intake for best results.
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