Does Water Really Help Lose Weight?
Many people drink beverages every day. Do you know those beverages you have casually are the reason why you gain more weight? A single can of energy drink contains as much as 160kcal, and it takes power walking for 30 to 40 minutes to burn those calories. But if you want to lose weight without sweating, drink water instead of sugary drinks. You can easily see photos of celebrities holding a bottle of water, and they all look fit. Then, let’s talk about the secrets of water that keeps us fit and healthy.
What Does Water Mean to Us?
About 50% to 60% of the human body is water. Water facilitates metabolism and bodily functions and helps prevent dehydration. As body wastes are produced while losing weight and they are eliminated with water from the body, it is vital to drink enough water while on a diet. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends drinking 1.5L to 2L of water per day (eight to ten 200ml glasses). While our consumption of beverages such as soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, milk, and coffee is on the rise, the amount of water we drink is decreasing, raising concerns over weight gains and various health conditions.
Why Is Water Important for Successful Weight Loss?
Replacing sugary and high-calorie drinks with water cuts down the total calorie intake and helps losing weight. According to a paper published in an American obesity society journal in 2008, the correlations between water intake and weight loss were studied for a year involving 173 overweight women, and the group who drank more than 1L of water per day lost 2kg. Those who replaced 80% of their sugar-sweetened beverages (SBS) with water recorded 2.4kg of weight loss, a 2.8cm decrease in the waist line, and a 1.6%p drop in the body fat percentage on average.
Also, drinking water before and during a meal helps weight loss by curbing hunger and making you feel full. A study suggested that adults of normal weight who drink 500ml of water before meals absorb 75kcal to 90kcal less and overweight or obese adults who do the same eat 13% less.
Healthy Ways to Drink Water
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1Drink a glass of cold water after getting up every morning.
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2Always keep water close to you, on a table or even in a car.
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3Take a glass of water before a meal to eat less.
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4If you still feel hungry or have cravings for snacks after a meal, drink water.
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5Replace sugar-sweetened beverages with water.
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6If you don’t like the taste of pure water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, grapefruit, or herb.
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7If you really need to drink coffee or tea, choose a decaffeinated one.