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| Photo by LuAnn Hunt |
Yes, it has been scientifically proven. Drinking
water with or after eating food helps to bulk out our food, sending messages to the
brain to say that we are full so we will eat less. Water likewise helps in supporting
the ingestion of vitamins and minerals in our food. For example, fat needs
water in order to be broken down and used by the body. Water additionally helps with flushing out the waste material in our bodies and thus helps keep us in optimum
health.
So how much should you be drinking water and when. You should aim
to drink at least 2 litres of water a day, more on hot days. You should spread your consumption throughout
the day. There is no need to drink bottled water as in most areas tap water is
perfectly safe. If you do prefer the
bottled variety, steer clear of the flavoured ones. These products contain
sweeteners which do not help with weight loss and may be carcinogenic.
If you do not drink sufficient water, you will feel
lethargic, tried and confused. Your body may misinterpret your feelings of
thirst as hunger and thus you can over eat. In fact by the time you feel
thirsty your body is already starting to dehydrate hence you should drink
regularly. You may find that initially you have to go to the bathroom more
often but your body will soon adapt to the increased volume.
Drinking water on its own won’t win your weight loss battle.
You need to make changes in other areas as well including your diet and the
level of exercise you undertake. You should aim to be doing at least twenty
minutes of exercise per day. Walking
10,000 steps per day is one good way to get those calories shifted.
Any form of exercise is good for you so try to do something
you enjoy. Get a group of friends together to play tennis or golf. Spending time in the gym is a great way to increase your physical activity.
Small things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing instead
of sitting down and getting off the bus/subway at the stop before yours also
helps.
There is no point in drinking loads of water and taking
exercise if you are still eating fast food every day. You need to retrain your
palate and make your diet healthier. Do it gradually. Replace your favourite bad food with something healthy. Swap
your chicken nuggets for a salad.
Increase your fruits and vegetables consumption while decreasing the
amount of cakes, candy and bad fats you eat. Not only will you lose weight but
your skin will love you too.
The connection between drinking water and weight loss will also
help to give you glowing skin and you will soon become the envy of your friends
when you show off your new slimmer figure at the next social occasion.
