According to CNN, the body can find it difficult to differentiate between hunger and thirst. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you ensure that you are eating due to hunger and not thirst. A 2008 study performed at Virgina Tech found that consuming water before meals caused individuals to eat fewer calories. Furthermore, drinking water instead of high-calorie sodas and fruit juices can decrease your daily caloric intake to help you lose weight.
Daily Water Intake
Staying hydrated reduces excess weight gain due to water retention. Individuals should try to consume six to eight glasses of water daily. Besides drinking water to lose weight, you may increase your water intake by eating foods with high water content, such as melons, celery, cucumbers and lettuce.
Water Before Meals
To lose weight with water, plan to drink a full glass approximately 20 to 30 minutes before you eat a meal. By drinking water before meals, you prevent overeating. According to a study presented at the 2008 obesity conference from Brenda Davy, associate professor of human nutrition, foods and exercise at Virginia Tech, drinking water can help achieve weight loss. Dieters that drank water at each meal consumed an average of 75 fewer calories.
Water as Replacement Beverage
Water can be used as a replacement beverage. Since water contains no calories, you are able to quench thirst without packing on the pounds. Drink water in lieu of soda, fruit juices and coffee drinks.
Shangri-La Diet
The Shangri-La Diet featured on Good Morning America recommends that you drink water flavored with sugar to lose weight. This practice is supposed to trick your metabolism into thinking that it is full. To stave off hunger between meals, you are instructed to sip hot or cold sugar water. There is no evidence currently available that proves this theory.
Excess Water Warning
Do not drink gallons and gallons of water to lose weight. This may cause a condition known as hyponaetrimia, states CNN. The high intake of water causes a reduction in sodium in the blood and may lead to symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness and coma.
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