Q: Do I really need to be drinking water to lose weight?
A: YES you should definitely be drinking water to lose weight! 8 cups a day, or even more!
Drinking adequate water promotes what’s known as a thermogenic state, which increases your metabolic rate.
In a nutshell, this means that your body has enough hydration to work as efficiently as possible to carry out all of the activities it does on a daily basis, like repairing cells, digesting food, and yes, kicking into gear the ole metabolism.
Also, people often mistake thirst for hunger—so staying properly hydrated will help you recognize true hunger. When you stay properly hydrated by taking sips from your water bottle, you’re less likely to take a handful from your snack stash.
If drinking water to lose weight is too hard to swallow, here are some tried-and-true tricks of the trade:
- Drink water at room temperature and through a straw
- Add a slice of lemon, orange, cucumber or some berries to make it a tad more exciting
- Substitute unsweetened green tea or herbal teas to help meet your fluid goals (just don’t add sweetener)
- Try seltzer, if adding bubbles is the only way you’ll drink up
- Invest in a 32 oz bottle and fill ‘er up twice daily (the goal of drinking two bottles is motivating!)
Side note: You’ll know you’re doing a good job getting your fluids in if your urine is clear and odorless.
Keep at it! It takes time to change your behaviors and identify yourself as a water drinker but, I have faith—you can do it!