Why Staying Hydrated Helps You Lose Weight

Drinking water is one of the simplest things you can do to slim down and maintain a healthy weight. Why First, it helps take the edge off hunger by filling your stomach between meals. Better to sip some H2O than down a handful of M&Ms — aka empty calories — that will leave you wanting more a few minutes later. Water gives you more energy to work out longer, and speeds your metabolism by as much as 3 percent (hey, every little bit counts). Read on for my answers to frequently asked questions about drinking water for weight loss.

How much water should I drink?

There’s really no magic number. Some people will say at least eight ounces a day is ideal; others will insist six cups a day is better. But it really depends on everything from your activity level to your unique body chemistry. How often you go to the toilet is a good indicator — urinating only a couple times a day is a telltale sign of dehydration, as is the color of your urine (the darker it is, the more dehydrated you probably are; aim for the color of lemonade).

Is bottled water better than tap?

Not necessarily. It all depends on the quality of your tap water as well as the quality of the bottled water. Drinking tap water saves you money and is better for the environment. However, water that comes out of the faucet has been known to contain hidden dangers like lead and chlorine, so check on the quality of your local water at www.epa.gov/safewater. When it comes to bottled water do your homework as well. Research the company. Look for alkaline water that is enhanced with electrolytes. Aquahydrate is my personal favorite. I loved it so much I bought into the company.

What if I don’t like to drink water?

If it’s the taste (or lack thereof) that’s keeping you from drinking plain water, doctor it up! And I’m talking about using natural flavors, not added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Splashes of lime, cranberry or pomegranate juice will keep your taste buds happy. Or maybe you prefer a little fizz with your water. Go for it — carbonated water works just as well as regular water, as long as it’s unsweetened.

Also remember you can supplement your water intake with healthy low-calorie foods that have a high water content, including watermelon, zucchini, and cucumbers. So, munch away!