If you’re struggling with weight management, you’ve probably tried everything. But have you tried drinking more water?
It might seem like a stretch, but studies have found a clear link between hydration and weight loss.
Here’s what you need to know to start incorporating the healthy habit of hydration into your weight loss plan.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
20% of your required liquid intake each should come from the food you eat. For the rest, your body relies on the liquid that you drink throughout the day. In general, the recommended amount is about 2.7 liters of liquid daily for women, and about 3.7 liters to men. This translates to about 11 cups and 16 cups, respectively. However, some people may require even more hydration than this if they tend to sweat a lot, if they exercise frequently, or if they are suffering from an illness with symptoms like vomiting and/or diarrhea.
You might wonder if it’s possible to drink too much water. Yes, this is rare, but it does happen and can be very serious in some cases,so be sure to talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink.
Tips
Of course, drinking that volume of water on a daily basis can be a challenge. It’s not very exciting, and it’s hard to remember to do it.
Here are some tips to help you make hydration a part of your daily routine.
Add Flavoring
The most common complaint about water is its plain, boring taste. You can jazz it up by adding a wedge of fresh fruit or a splash of fruit juice. You might also consider more appealing options like ice pops, broths or sports drinks. However, you should limit beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
Drink Water First Thing In the Morning and With Meals
By putting your water intake on a set schedule, it’s less likely to get forgotten in the activity and tasks of the day. Experts recommend drinking two glasses of water when you first wake up in the morning, followed by a glass of water each time you have a meal or a snack. This slows down your eating and helps you feel full quicker. As a result, you will eat less, a clear win for your body.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Eat plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables like:
● Pineapples
● Radishes
● Tomatoes
● Cantaloupe
● Cucumbers
● Celery
● Watermelon
● Peaches
● Leafy greens
● Zucchini
These foods not only pack plenty of nutrients, they give you a hydration boost, too.
Choose the Right Water Bottle
There are a variety of “smart” water bottles on the market which can help you accomplish your goal of boosting hydration. Some of these track the amount of water you drink throughout the day and then give you a notification or an alarm when you need to drink more. This can make it much easier to ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
Need more guidance and support to meet your hydration goals? Reach out to your independent Optavia coach for help today.
