Along with tasting great on a chilly day, sipping warm water with lemon juice may actually be able to help you lose weight. Although there is no scientific evidence to prove the beverage's effectiveness, there are some intuitive and physical reasons why it could help produce positive results.
Benefits
A 2010 weight loss study cited by the National Women's Health Information Center found that adults who drank two cups of water before eating a meal ate fewer overall calories and lost more weight than a control group of adults who followed a low-calorie, low-fat diet. The group who drank water followed the same diet; the only difference was the water. Thus, it's logical to believe that, by extension, drinking warm water with lemon before meals could result in the same weight-loss benefits.
Explanation
Even though water is calorie-free, it still takes up space in your stomach and can help contribute to a feeling of fullness. While drinking warm water and lemon juice with meals and snacks or after eating may not help much with weight loss, sipping the beverage prior to chowing down may make you feel less hungry and consume fewer total calories.
Method
For the best results, sip water and lemon prior to eating. Drink a glass or two before all main meals and, if desired, before snacks as well. Keep the water on the hotter side of warm so that it takes some time to drink, allowing your body to slow down and relax. After drinking, pay attention to physical cues from your body. Note how your stomach feels, and stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full.
Calories
Water with lemon is a virtually calorie-free drink, which makes it ideal as a weight-loss aid. However, it's not an automatic fix for overeating. To lose weight, it's necessary to consistently burn more calories than you consume. The effects are cumulative, so the National Institutes of Health notes that eating 1,000 fewer calories each day will result in about two pounds of weight loss per week. For some people, calorie-free beverages can help reduce net calorie consumption and curb hunger.
Considerations
Severely limiting daily calories can be dangerous and may present serious health risks or nutrient deficiencies. Along with drinking water and lemon in an effort to lose weight, MyPyramid.gov recommends following a low-calorie, balanced diet that includes daily servings of nonfat dairy, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Talk with your doctor before beginning any new diet or weight loss plan.
Also, lemon juice can damage the enamel of your teeth, so some lemon juice advocates suggest rinsing your mouth out with warm water after drinking any lemon beverage.
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