If you’re on a diet or exercise program, there’s a miracle substance that you should be consuming all the time — and that substance is water.
Why is water important?
Water regulates your body temperature (through sweating), helps you burn calories, and helps your liver function more effectively. It flushes toxins from your organs and carries nutrients to your cells. Drinking water can also help to reduce your appetite. How? Because many times, when you feel hungry, your body really just wants some water!
How much water should I drink per day?
Divide your body weight by two. You should drink at least this number of ounces of water each day, and probably more. The amount will also depend on the weather and your level of activity. If the day is hot, you’ll need to drink more water to cool yourself. If you’re exercising, keep a water bottle close by. Your muscles will operate more efficiently throughout the workout if your body has enough water to transport oxygen to your cells.
What if I feel bloated?
Filling your body with water doesn’t hurt you in any way. A large amount of water is actually good for you, as it will flush more toxins out of your system. However, you can avoid feeling bloated by drinking water throughout the day rather than taking large drinks.
Can I drink other liquids instead of water?
The best source of water is water itself. Drinks such as coffee, soda and tea contain caffeine, which actually increases the symptoms of fluid loss. Fruit juices are more acceptable, but they have a high sugar concentration. In general, you should avoid drinks with excess sugar or sodium, as they place unnecessary stresses on your body.
What if I feel like I need an energy drink or coffee?
If you drink enough water and eat enough healthy food, it will help your energy level to shoot through the roof! When we feel tired, it’s usually because we’re dehydrated. We drink an energy drink to remove the fatigue — but then we crash! The best solution is to simply drink water. You may also feel tired because you need more sleep. An energy drink won’t help there either. That said, energy drinks aren’t all bad. Sometimes they’ll give you a badly needed pick-me-up. But it’s best to consume them with a big bottle of water.
