Water is calorie, fat, and carbohydrate free. That’s one reason we recommend you drink so much of it! It’s also important to drink while losing weight.
Why is it important to increase your water intake while losing weight?
- When you diet you loose fluid. That’s why it’s important to replace the water you lose while dieting. Low calorie and low carbohydrate diets are associated with some mild dehydration (fluid loss).
- To act as a “filler.” There are nerve endings in the stomach that respond to expansion; because of this, increased water intake can help you feel more satisfied.
- To help reduce water retention. The kidneys are like a machine that runs best when mildly overloaded. By increasing the work of the kidneys, they actually work more efficiently and not only process water taken in, but also help rid the body of the excess water retention and swelling that is often associated with excess weight.
- Proper hydration is necessary to your overall health. It helps in regulating body temperature; carrying oxygen, hormones, and nutrients to the cells; ; cushioning the joints; protecting inner organs; elimination of waste; and electrolyte balance.
- Because the body loses water through perspiration, exhaled water vapor from the lungs, and urination, it’s important to replace about four percent of your body weight in water every day. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is recommended in order to replace the lost fluid. The body also loses about a quart of water per hour during exercise. To help prevent dehydration, you should drink approximately 2 cups of water fifteen minutes prior to exercise.