Does drinking water help with weight loss?

One of the two biggest questions we get asked by our clients are “How much water should I be drinking each day?” and “Can drinking water help with weight loss?”

The answer is that it depends on 3 variables 

1. Your Exercise Habits:

Exercise plays a huge role in your hydration needs. Any activity that produces sweat requires fluid replenishment. You should drink water before, during, and after your workout. For more high intense workouts lasting longer than an hour. You are going to want to consume sports drinks because they are more of an effective way to replenish lost electrolytes. 

2. Your Zip Code:

Humid climates and high altitudes increase dehydration risk and require additional fluids. We live in south Florida, and we get a pretty humid summer. You can see how your hydration needs may change as the time of year changes.

3. You’re Well Status:

Your body will lose water if you are sick (fever, diarrhea, or vomiting). Make sure you consume more water when you are sick. 

How do you know if you are not drinking enough water? 

The best way to determine if you are dehydrated is to pay attention to the signs. If you find yourself experiencing any of these, your body might be trying to tell you something is up.

1. Thirst

2. Flushed Skin

3. Increased Body Temperature 

4. Rapid Breathing Or Heart Rate

5. Dizziness

6. Weakness 

If monitoring all of the six signs is too much for you, and you prefer a more visual indicator? 

You can tell if you are drinking enough water if your urine is colorless or a very pale yellow. (If it’s a bright or dark yellow, that could mean you are dehydrated). 

Can water help with weight loss? 

Drinking water helps you fill up space in the stomach and therefore decreases appetite, but staying hydrated also means reduced thirst. This really matters because many of us confuse internal thirst and hunger cues, leading to overconsumption of food. 

One of the most important findings we have with every client is when they start increasing their water intake they begin to ditch sweetened beverages, live juice or soda and they automatically decrease their overall calories which will 100% have an impact on weight loss.

RECAP:

1. Make sure you monitor the color of your urine and the signs of dehydration. 

2. Make water a priority every hour. 

3. I work in 50-minute intervals: Take 10 minutes to stretch, walk, and grab water. 

I hope these tips help you live your best life.