Drink More Water, Lose More Weight

Drink More Water, Lose More Weight

Most people wander in a perpetual state of dehydration. Today, marketing tells us that when thirsty, we should opt for soda, a "sports drink," or some variant of vitamin-infused water. A century ago, such options would have been nearly impossible to come by. In some instances, we're led to believe these alternatives surpass water's benefits. Guess what, they don't.

Water is what our bodies are designed to drink. Five thousand years ago, water, and perhaps a little wine occasionally, would have been our only real options. Our bodies aren't meant to consume these sugary impostors. When was the last time you drank real, pure water? How often do you consume soda, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, or some other sweetened beverage, including the "diet" varieties?

Water serves numerous purposes within the body. It cushions our joints, preventing pain, and is essential for digesting food. Water aids in eliminating toxins via urine, sweat, and fecal matter. It carries oxygen and nutrients to all body cells within the blood and assists the immune system in disease prevention through the lymph fluid. Additionally, water regulates and maintains body temperature.

Most importantly, water boosts metabolism. Staying properly hydrated is crucial when trying to shed excess body fat, as it facilitates greater fat loss.

“But I’m retaining water!!!”

Your water retention is likely due to your dehydration. While there are a number of causes of water retention, the body does not normally store something it gets plenty of. However when the body is not getting what it needs, it will store all that it does get. The first step to dealing with water retention is to make sure you’re drinking enough pure water.

Okay, how much water should I be drinking?

For optimal hydration it is best to consume 0.6-0.7 ounces per pound of bodyweight. This means that a person who weighs 150 pounds should be drinking 90-105 ounces per day, or about three liters/quarts.

Keep in mind that if you are extremely active, or sweat a lot due to your job or just being out in the summer sun, you may have to drink more than this. The best rule of thumb is that your urine in the morning should be relatively clear, not brighter than a highlighter.

**TIP: to make your water more usable by the body add just a pinch of Sea Salt to every quart of water. This will add beneficial minerals that will also help increase hydration, and help deal with mineral deficiencies, without changing the taste.

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