Why not drinking enough water can make you fat. Yup, I’m back on a water kick again. No matter how much I plan and get into the habit of drinking water, it always seems to fall by the wayside even when I’m working out and eating well. I have already given you my Top Tips For Drinking Water and we’ve discussed Water VS Sports Drinkings, but how can not drinking enough water cause you to gain weight and get sick?
Did you know that dehydration starts to set in before you start feeling thirsty? So it’s important to keep drinking water even though you may not be thirsty. A good rule is to have a glass or two as soon as you get up in the morning (before your coffee) and then to have a full glass before each meal.
First and foremost, I need to state that since our bodies are comprised of about 60% water, it is essential to keeping us alive. Without water our organs and system would slowly begin to shut down. In addition, water does wonders to protect our complexions and give us hydrated and glowing skin. These should be reasons enough to want to drink water continuously throughout the day, but we all know that reality isn’t always like that. So let’s look at it another way.
WHY NOT DRINKING ENOUGH WATER CAN MAKE YOU FAT
Speeds up your metabolism. When your circulatory and digestive systems are working optimally and you are working out regularly, you feel good and you are sleeping well, your metabolism speeds up. For more on How To Boost Your Metabolism read this.
Is a natural appetite suppressant. Quite often we mistake hunger pangs for thirst. So try drinking a full glass of water before a meal and you’ll find that you aren’t quite as hungry as maybe you thought. While I’m absolutely behind eating healthy, moderation is always key and sometimes we don’t always eat as mindfully as we should.
Rids your body of bacteria and waste. When you are dehydrated, your body builds up toxins and waste which becomes the perfect breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. Let’s take your kidneys for example, their primary function is to rid your body of toxic waste but without enough water they can’t do their job.
Helps with digestion. Our digestive system also depends on adequate quantities of water. If your digestive system isn’t working optimally then your body can’t always absorb all the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Gives you energy. Think about what happens when you get dehydrated. You get weak, dizzy and lethargic. Our muscles are comprised of about 75% water which needs to be consistently replenished. Want a better, more effective workout? Then keep hydrating.
Keeps your joints healthy. Cartilage, which acts like a cushion between your joints, is partially made up of… you guessed it, water! Staying well hydrated will help keep it soft. For those that take additional glucosamine, know that one of its functions is actually to help your cartilage absorb water.
So you see, by drinking enough water consistently through the day you’ll not only feel fuller (aka you’ll eat less), but your body will work optimally and the results will be a healthier, stronger and fitter you!
What are your tips for remembering to drink water regularly?
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11 Comments
Oh wow this is such helpful information. I try to drink as much water as I can even though I hate it
Candice Beauty Candy Loves
Oh I’m glad. I was shocked when I started researching for this post. It definitely pushed me to start drinking more water! Try adding a few lemon, cucumber or orange slices. You can also try to adding some herbs like mint, it will make your water more refreshing!
xo
I am thirsty all the time, so I drink almost double the daily recommended amount (and I would probably drink more if I didn’t need to sleep). I have no idea why I’m always so thirsty… but water is all I drink throughout the day (aside from a cup of coffee in the morning). I don’t even want to think how much more bloated I’d feel if I didn’t drink enough water! Yikes.
xx
Jenny // Mish Mosh Makeup
The recommended amount is just a guideline and everyone is different so you have to find what’s right for you. If you are finding that you drink way more than normal it’s probably not a bad idea to check yourself out with your doctor. I totally agree with you that the minute I stop drinking water my whole body just goes into chaos.
xo
Over the past year or so I have become way more adamant about drinking water. I rarely ever drink anything but! OK sure I have a smoothie a couple times a week and a cup of tea every day but other than that it is water all the way. And you know what? I totally notice it (on the scale) when I stop drinking as much. Hydration is totally our friend. Great post!
Thanks! I know what you mean, when I stop drinking water my body definitely knows. I drink a cup of coffee in the morning the rest of the time it’s pretty much water for me. With the occasional cup of tea in winter in the evening!
xo
I drink at least a gallon of water a day! 🙂
Wow, that’s awesome!
xo
This article is excellent. I try my best to drink as much water as possible during work. but I always forget at home or during the weekend!
This may sound like a stupid question, but is it possible to build up a water tolerance? I feel like when I drink a ton of water on the regular then don’t as much I get dehydrated more easily. Is that just psychological?
Thanks so much! I definitely forget to drink water on the weekends too….it’s like it’s not a part of my schedule. Not a stupid question at all. I think it’s possible to get used to (aka tolerance) no water, where your body stops alerting you to not having enough but your body (organs, digestive system etc) need a minimum amount and they don’t get used to not having enough so you are still doing damage to your body. Does that make sense?
xo