
How Will Water Help Me Lose Weight?
Here are five reasons why water should be part of your weight-loss plan:
1. Water curbs hunger
When you're dehydrated, your body may actually send signals that you need to eat, because the part of the brain that acts as a thirst center — the hypothalmus — also regulates your appetite. Staying hydrated helps you stave off fake hunger signals and drinking water before meals has been shown to help aid in weight loss. Another recommendation is to drink a glass of water before you go to a social or sporting event where there may be an endless supply of unhealthy snacks.
2. Water boosts your metabolism
Dehydration slows bodily functions and your metabolism, which means you'll also have less energy for your workouts. Drinking water has been proven to contribute to the body's ability to burn calories, while dehydration slows the fat-burning process. An easy way to speed up your metabolism first thing in the morning is by drinking a glass or two of cold water. Doing so forces your body to warm up to the cold water entering your system, which means increasing your metabolism. Water also helps prevent muscle cramping, another reason to stay hydrated during workouts. It's also important to note that your water needs increase during long endurance workouts.
3. Water keeps you mentally sharp
Water helps transport oxygen to the brain while ensuring that it functions at optimal levels. Research has shown that even mild dehydration can negatively impact your cognitive performance, as well as affect your mood and make you feel tired. Your mood and fatigue can in turn lead you to mindless stress eating and poor food choices.
4. Water saves on calories
Not only does consuming liquid calories such as sodas and juices fail to fill you up, but they also have high sugar content that can affect your body in negative ways. Drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages over an extended period can stop weight gain.
5. Water keeps you regular
Water is a great aid in preventing constipation. From the saliva in your mouth to balancing the acid in your stomach, water works from start to finish in keeping your digestive system running at it its best.
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