Hydration’s Impact on Fat loss

Hydration’s Impact on Fat loss

What if I told you that a critical key to losing stubborn body fat might be simpler than you thought?  What if there was something you could do that would immediately boost your metabolism by upwards of 30% (as founded by a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)? Luckily, there is, and it happens to cover over 70% of the earth. And the winner is – Water!

Water Consumption

Drinking enough water will increase your body’s ability to burn fat while also filling out your muscles so you appear leaner. Your muscles will absorb water, which results in thicker muscles that appear more toned. Drinking adequate amounts of water will also help you feel less hungry so cutting back on empty calories becomes easier. Mayo Clinic suggests that men need about 15.5 cups of fluids and women need 11.5, but make sure you’re upping it a bit if you’re sweating a lot during your workouts. It’s also very important to ensure that you are holding onto the water that you drink, which is what electrolytes (link to electrolyte article) can help with.

Are you Dehydrated?

So how do you know whether or not you’re dehydrated? It’s simple: If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated! Being dehydrated stimulates thirst, but be careful because it also stimulates hunger, especially for sodium rich foods, which are often unhealthy snacks. You’ll also know you’re dehydrated if your pee is a dark amber or brown color. You’ll know you’re hydrated when you’re rarely thirsty and your urine is a lemonade color. Here are some tips to start drinking more water and thus burn more fat:

• Drink 6-8oz before every meal. This will help you get your water in but also help you feel less hungry and thus eat appropriately.
• Carry a water bottle – and fill it often! Often we have the excuse of not having water, don’t let it be one! Get a bottle that’s 30 oz or more and try to fill it 2-4 times per day.
• Try adding flavor. There are a lot of complaints about that blandness of water. Try adding things like lemon, cucumber or mint (or all three!). These will also add electrolytes to ensure you’re holding onto the water you drink

Conclusion

So while drinking water might not always be at the top of your list because you aren’t always thirsty or it makes you pee too much, remember that drinking more water will expedite your body’s ability to burn fat all while making you look and feel healthier. If you’re peeing too often then you may not be holding on to the water you drink. If you’re unsure how much water you need or which electrolytes would work best for you, it’s always best to ask a professional. Now go fill your water bottle and get drinking!