Do drinking water and losing weight have anything in common? Can you lose weight simply by filling up with water? Drinking water certainly helps to flush toxins out of your system. It also reduces bloating, thus giving you the impression of losing weight. Ironically, by drinking more water, you can reduce fluid retention problems and this will drop the pounds.
But drinking water alone will not help you lose weight in the long run. You can’t live on water because it doesn’t contain the minerals and nutrients your body needs to thrive. You should aim to drink at least 2 liters of water a day, more if you exercise regularly.
If you drink water first thing in the morning, try adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Not only will it make the liquid more palatable, but it will also kick-start your digestive system.
Now, if you’re really serious about weight loss, you’ll need to make other changes to your diet. You should aim to eat food as close to its natural state as possible. This means eating an apple rather than putting it in a juicer. Eat more vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Try to vary the color and type of vegetables you consume. We need to eat at least five a day, but it doesn’t work if you only eat broccoli or carrots.
You could try eliminating wheat from your diet to see if that helps you lose weight. Wheat can cause bloating and water retention, not ideal when your goal is to shed pounds. If you’re going to try this, you need to increase the amount of whole grains in your diet so you’re still getting B-vitamins, fiber and vital nutrients.
We should all be eating more legumes and sprouted beans in our diet. Sprouted beans in particular are a rich source of enzymes and minerals, as well as providing low-fat protein. Introduce these foods gradually, as some people have reported an increase in embarrassing gas – not ideal if you work in an open-plan office.
Drinking water and losing weight go hand in hand if you add exercise to the equation. You should always drink more water when you exercise to prevent dehydration. If you wait until you’re thirsty, dehydration has already begun.
Skip the salt and flavor your food with fresh herbs and spices. These will help with digestion and add variety to your diet. You need to include good fats when trying to lose weight. Cold-pressed oils can help make salads more interesting by providing a good source of omega 3 (pumpkin or flax seeds) or omega 6 (sesame and sunflower). Store these oils in a dark place because they don’t react well to sunlight, and never use them for frying.
Drinking water and losing weight go hand in hand especially when you add more tips and tricks to the equation.
