If you’ve been interested in fitness and health for more than a minute, then you know by now how important drinking plenty of water is for getting your body into top shape.
But do you drink enough water? And is it really going to impact your results?
Why Water Matters
Your body is made up of 60% water, which is incredible when you stop and really think about this fact. All day long you are constantly losing water by sweating and going to the bathroom – and this water must be replenished in order to keep your body is healthy, working order.
Many health authorities believe in the 8×8 theory: drink 8 (8oz) glasses of water throughout the day, or roughly half a gallon. However, a growing sector of fitness and health professionals are speaking out against this theory, stating that it is simply too little to keep you properly hydrated.
Those behind the movement to drink more than 8×8 per day are stating that the only way to truly stay hydrated is by sipping on water constantly throughout the day, and by making the effort to drink water when one doesn’t feel the signs of thirst.
Studies have come out that seem to prove that drinking more water throughout the day leads to better brain functioning, fewer headaches and physical performance.
Conversely, when you are operating in a state of mild dehydration you will experience diminished brain functioning, more frequent headaches and a decline in physical performance.
Does More Water = More Fat Loss?
Yes, it is quite likely that drinking more water will facilitate faster fat loss results. This is primarily due to two factors:
- An increase in metabolism: Studies show that drinking water temporarily boosts metabolism for an hour or so. Drinking cold water will spike your metabolism even higher. This means more calories burned, and more pounds lost but I still don’t recommend it given it. Th cold water needs to be warmed up to body temperature and this could add significant stress to those with a compromised immune or digestive systems. Stay with room temperature water.
- A reduction in appetite: Staying properly hydrated helps to reduce dehydration signs that are often mistaken for hunger. It is also a viable strategy to drink a full glass or two of water immediately before a meal in order to reduce the calorie intake of that meal, leading to lower overall calorie intake for the day. Drinking water before a meal is better for digestion also. I recommend limiting water with meals and for 30-60 minutes after.
Hydration and Health
Staying hydrated is going to help you lose fat quicker, but that’s not the only benefit that you will experience. The following are all health improvements that you have to look forward to when drinking water throughout your day:
- Lower Risk of Cancer
- Reduction in Constipation
- Decreased Risk of Kidney Stones
- Healthier Skin and Less Acne
It’s clear that drinking water throughout the day is an important part of being healthy and reaching your fitness goals. One of the best ways to make sure that you meet your hydration goals is to keep a large water bottle with you at all times, and to refill it every time that it is empty.
Beware of Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are designed to refuel and replenish an athlete’s body after intense physical activity. These drinks are filled with the calories and sugars needed to fill exhausted muscles with new energy, which may be OK for the track star who only has 40 minutes of recovery between competitive events. Even then most sports recovery drinks suck 🙂 Check out Kill Cliff or Fit Aid for good recovery sports drinks.
For the fitness enthusiast in pursuit of fat loss, the sugars and calories found in most sports drinks can undo all of the hard work that you just did in your workout! Yes, these drinks taste good and are marketed to fit, active people, but always be aware of the calorie and sugar count before deciding if you should include it in your diet.
As we learned above, water is your most effective drink for reaching your fitness and fat loss goals.
I’m here to help you reach your fitness and fat loss goals! If you are not yet one of my beloved clients, and you are struggling to meet your fitness and fat loss goals, then give me a call 650-654-4604 or send me an email at [email protected]
I can’t wait to work with you!
Your friend & coach,
Brien
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