Your body needs water daily…and LOTS of it. I happen to be one of those fortunate people; drinking plain water comes naturally to me so I can down 100+ ounces of the clear stuff daily without batting an eye. For others, it’s a challenge and I have heard some rather creative ways that people try to justify their water intake. Coffee & tea consumption does not count as water intake for my clients; while I do whole heartedly support many of the health benefits in both of these power drinks, NOTHING compares to a glass of plain old water. Water is one of the BEST known natural appetite suppressants; more times than not, the grumblings that people mistake for hunger pangs, is actually your body’s need for water. Unfortunately, the overweight person needs more water than a thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. It is believed that water is the key to fat metabolism; therefore the overweight person needs more water.
So what about water retention? “If I drink a lot of water, I retain water and feel bloated. My stomach feels huge and I weigh more!” The best way to overcome water retention issues is to give your body what it needs -- plenty of water. Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. The more salt you eat the more water your system retains to dilute it. Again, diet plays a BIG part in weight loss; watch your sodium intake. *and high levels of sodium is not just about salty foods. Read labels!*
Please stay away from water pills people!! (I know all the tricks trust me) Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Now besides the fact that losing essential nutrients is NEVER a good thing, your body will replace this lost water at the FIRST opportunity and guess what… the condition quickly returns.
Bottled or tap? I’ll leave that up to the individual. I know many people who will fight to the death over their Britta water bottles, and or their bottles of Evian. Those are all fine by me, it’s one of those matters where both sides have great arguments and supporting studies. In general I drink tap water. Besides the fact that it has nutrients such as fluoride, let’s be honest, it’s cheaper and convenient! I’m a water bottle junkie, especially personalized ones. I’ll fill my containers in the morning, throw em’ in a cooler with an ice pack and I’m out the door! Every now and again, I do like to splurge and get a Fiji water but I can assure you, it’s only because I think I look super cool carrying that squared off looking bottle. #imjussaying…
If you do opt to rock a water bottle, please…please…PLEASE…clean it thoroughly with HOT soap and water daily! I watched a documentary on water bottles a few years back and was blown away at the bacteria found in water bottles daily. Ecoli being one of the most prevalent! There’s a lot of backwash going on in your beloved water bottle on a baily basis and simply rinsing it out with some more water will kill none of the germs. I try to wash my bottle out with soap and water before I refill it but if there is little time then I make sure I do it at the end of the day. I also replace my bottles every 6 months, I have no scientific reason for the number, I just do it after I go to the dentist. *shrug*
Glowing skin & nails, a happier colon are a few more out of a host of reasons why you should be sure to hydrate your body often. Water is not optional in weight loss, it is key to your success and can make life so much easier in general. Please remember this is if nothing else:
If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink a glass of water, you’re already dehydrated!
Mizcardio4lyf!
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