One small change that is often overlooked by people seeking weight loss is doing a water inventory: How much water do you drink every day?
You might be surprised! It may not even be close to the recommended amount.
⇒Most health experts recommend that you drink half your body weight (in pounds) in ounces of water per day. Example: A 150 pound person should drink at least 75 ounces of water a day.
If you are super active (e.g., a long distance runner or cyclist) that number will need to be increased.
This might sound boring, but take a moment to reflect on your water intake over the past few days. Did you even get close to half your body weight in ounces of water each day?
Honestly, I have to make a concerted effort DAILY to drink that much water — and I’m a fitness professional! I KNOW this information, but I still need to make a conscious effort daily to drink enough water. A glass of water with every meal isn’t going to get me even CLOSE to my number.
So — my take away for you today is to DO A WATER inventory. If you’re trying to lose a few pounds , it really CAN make a big difference.
Why is water such a big deal?
#1) Water Aids Fat Metabolism in the Liver
When it comes down to the technical process of losing fat, your liver is where the action is. The key to having a highly functional liver, one that quickly removes metabolic waste and built up toxins, is to be properly hydrated by drinking half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
Your liver is a filter for your body. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your liver accumulates a build up of waste products that slow down the process of fat metabolism.
#2) Water Helps Balance Hormones
Without getting too technical about the science of fat loss, it’s important that you understand your hormones play an important role in your body’s ability to lose fat. When your body enters a state of dehydration, your organ and digestive functions are compromised, which in turn negatively impacts hormonal balance.
This stress, brought on by dehydration, impacts your adrenal glands, signaling the need for an increase in cortisol, which encourages your body to begin storing fat, rather than burning it.
#3) Water Reduces Calorie Intake
Now that you understand the science behind water and weight loss, let’s examine the positive effect that proper hydration has on your daily caloric intake.
By drinking half you body weight in ounces of water daily, your desire for high calorie, sugary drinks like soda and high fructose juices will diminish. Over time, this decrease in calories really adds up!
In addition to weight loss, drinking water has an infinite number of benefits – including improved skin complexion, and a heartier immune system.
So — do that water inventory this week ;-). Get one of those fancy water bottles that monitors your daily intake and reminds you to drink your water throughout the day.
I think it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway because that’s how I roll) that if weight loss is one of your fitness goals, it’s best if you do a FULL inventory of what goes in your mouth — not just water. But, increasing your water intake is SUPER SIMPLE to do, and a great first step toward feeling better and dropping a few pounds.
The next step is looking at your calories in/calories out ratio. My team and I can help you with that ;-).
If you are not currently a client – please consider working with us in our Personal Training JumpStart. You get a 90-minute Success Session with me and 4 semi-private personal training sessions over a 3-week time frame. In that three weeks, we’ll also give you feedback on your food journal and help you make changes/adjustments in order to achieve your goal.
If you’re ready for a JumpStart, simply fill in the form below and I’ll get back to you with next steps.
Now go take a sip from that water bottle :-).
Committed to your success,
Coach Becky