Diet, Weight Loss and Hydration

Weight Loss and Hydration

Water is essential for survival. It is responsible for the life of our blood cells, for transporting nutrients throughout our body and for regulating our body temperature. Water also aids in digestion with the elimination of waste from our bodies and keeps joints lubricated, reducing your chance of developing an injury. Weight loss and hydration go hand and hand!

During your medical weight loss program, the amount of water you drink daily may impact your weight loss and wellness goals. As you exercise your body requires more water. If you are not replenishing these fluids daily then you could become dehydrated.

You’ll know you’re dehydrated by the onset of a variety of uncomfortable symptoms:

Dry mouth
Excessive thirst
Fatigue
Headaches
Confusion
Dizziness
Decreased urination
Urine that is darker than usual

Almost every aspect of your body requires water for optimal functioning. When you don’t drink enough water daily, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to go around. To preserve the health of organs like your brain and heart, your body will start depriving other areas of your body first. This is where the symptoms of dehydration start. If you don’t consume water soon, the symptoms can grow more severe. And if you’re trying to lose weight, please understand the importance of weight loss and hydration.

Staying Hydrated

As a general rule, every person should get 64 ounces of fluids every day, and many experts agree that at least half of that fluid intake should come from pure water. If you exercise frequently, have a physically demanding job or are out in the sun a lot, then you should increase your fluid intake to ensure you are adequately hydrated at all times.

Here are a few healthy habits you can adopt to stay hydrated this summer:

Carry a water bottle with you at all times and take sips from it regularly
Add healthy flavor to your water with a sprig of mint or a splash of lemon or lime juice
Have a full glass of water when you wake up every morning
Order water when you eat out at restaurants
Make an effort to drink water with your meals
Keep water on your desk at work and make a habit of drinking from it regularly

While drinking beverages other than water can help you reach your hydration goals, high-sugar, high-calorie drinks can play a negative role in your diet and weight loss* efforts. With zero calories, water is the ideal go-to drink whenever you are feeling thirsty.

Diet, Weight Loss and Hydration