Did you know studies show that people who drink 8-ounce glasses of water eight to 12 times a day have higher metabolic rates than those who drink four? Want to lose an extra 6.6 pounds a year? Drink half a liter of water before breakfast.
According to researchers at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., people who downed water before their first meal of the day consumed an average of 75 fewer calories at breakfast than those who didn’t drink up first. It can also curb hunger throughout the day, says Elizabeth DeRobertis, MS, RD, CDN, CDE, a registered dietitian in Harrison, NY. In fact another study showed that participants who drank two cups of water before a meal ate 75 – 90 fewer calories than people who drank no water at all.
There is something else to be said for drinking water first thing in the morning. Everybody is familiar with what happens to a plant that has not been watered. Things are not very different with us. During the night, while we sleep, our bodies become dehydrated. Ever notice how yellow your urine is first thing in the morning? All of your organs depend on water to function properly. Going 6, 7 8, 9 hours without drinking water and the first thing you put in your body is coffee or tea, which dehydrate you, that’s a spell for disaster.
When we don’t drink enough water for a long period of time, the basic metabolic, physical and chemical activities diminish and we don’t get the vital elements, our body needs. Aim for 1 – 2 glasses of water first thing in the morning to replenish your organs.
Here is another reason to raise your glass for water. Not only is H2O critical for keeping organs replenished and functioning but water also keeps joints and tissues lubricated and the digestive system functioning well, meaning you‘ll “go“ more often and easier, which also aids in weight loss.
Have you ever tried to lose weight and hit a plateau? Changing your workout routine can help but so can drinking more water to push you over that plateau. Sounds crazy but it’s true – water does wonders.
Lastly, why drink calories? Take a look at the nutrition label on those drinks in your fridge. Apple juice, Carrot juice, Cranberry juice, sodas, whatever you may have in your fridge. Look at the calories, the sugar, the carbs, the ingredients. Those numbers count. You have to burn those off too not just the calories that come from solids. On top of that, the nutrients they claim you’ll get from those juices, you’re better off getting them direct from the actual food itself as it will also contain fiber and the sugars will be absorbed slower.
Don’t like the taste of water? Add some lemon, lime or berries to your H2O. Essentials oils like Wild Orange, Lemon, Peppermint are fantastic ways to flavor water.
You’ll notice the changes of how good and clean your body feels immediately. Don’t underestimate what water does for your body. Water does wonders!