Water is important for your daily health and even more important when you are trying to lose weight. To get your recommended amount of water each day, consider replacing sugary drinks, like soda, with water. Be sure you are staying hydrated throughout the day and know the best times to drink water.
Amount of Water
The amount of water you need varies from person to person. The general rule for water intake is eight cups of water per day. However; your body may need more depending on how much water you lose throughout the day. Another rule to follow is to drink every time you feel thirsty. The feeling of thirst is often a sign of dehydration. If you drink a cup of water each time, you'll be on your way to getting enough water.
Importance of Hydration
Your body needs water to function -- your organs depend on it. Without water, your body will fall into a state of dehydration in which it will not function normally. Proper hydration assists in keeping your energy level up. When you're dehydrated, you'll notice you'll feel sluggish and tired. Proper hydration is key when trying to lose weight. If you are dieting and exercising, you need your energy and your body to be functioning fully. Staying hydrated will help you with both of these functions, allowing you to be successful in achieving your weight loss goals.
Before Meals
Another trick to try is drinking a glass of water before you begin a meal. People sometimes confuse the feeling of thirst with the feeling of hunger. If you drink a glass of water before you eat, you may find you eat less. The water will also fill up your stomach, resulting in you consuming fewer calories. Another idea is to replace what you normally drink with your meals with water. Say you normally have a drink high in sugar; replacing it with water will help you cut calories from your meal.
During Workouts
In addition to the water you intake daily to support your body's functions, you will also need more water to compensate for what you lose during workouts. "An extra 400 to 600 milliliters, or about 1.5 to 2.5 cups, of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour requires more fluid intake. Drinking water before, during, and after you exercise will help you replace what you've lost.
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