I run monthly weightloss coaching groups on Facebook and PNP (contact me if you are interested). In April I am issuing daily challenges for motivation and education. Today's challenge is water since it is KEY to weightloss, developing LEAN muscle, recovery, and avoiding mindless snacking.
I want to give you some good information about why water is important to weightloss. From Caloriesperhour.com I found this information...
- Initial weight loss is largely due to loss of water, and you need to drink an adequate amount of water in order to avoid dehydration.
- The process of burning calories requires an adequate supply of water in order to function efficiently; dehydration slows down the fat-burning process.
- Burning calories creates toxins (think of the exhaust coming out of your car), and water plays a vital role in flushing them out of your body.
- Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume; a reduction in blood volume causes a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles; and a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles can make you feel tired.
- Water helps maintain muscle tone by assisting muscles in their ability to contract, and it lubricates your joints. Proper hydration can help reduce muscle and joint soreness when exercising.
- A healthy (weight loss) diet includes a good amount of fiber. But while fiber is normally helpful to your digestive system, without adequate fluids it can cause constipation instead of helping to eliminate it.
- Drinking water with a meal may make you feel full sooner and therefore satisfied eating less. Note, however, that drinking water alone may not have this effect. In order to feel satiated (not hungry), our bodies need bulk, calories and nutrients.
I encourage people to drink a gallon of water a day. Personally, I drink more than that because I need it. Build up to it. Use flavorings to get it down but do it.
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