Water - How does it contribute to weight loss?

goldengodd3ss

Since starting with MFP, I've been drinking a lot more water. Which is a good thing I guess -- but here's the predicament -- I hate water. :grumble:

What is it about water that helps with weight loss? I suppose it helps people to feel "fuller" for longer, keep us hydrated, but what else?

I need some motivation to keep up with the water intake!

annieheavrin

I have actually been wondering the same thing. I have always been told "The more you drink, the more you shrink", but it seems like every time I up my water intake to say 13-15 cups per day (yes, I know above the recommended daily intake) the scale shows a GAIN for a few days..any ideas anyone else?

finchest

the hydration helps in so many ways - for me, especially when exercising. as you said, i feel more satiated, and in general, feel more energetic - and i think not being chronically dehydrated has a lot to do with that.
have you tried flavored waters (like Hint Water which is very subtle) or slicing lemons for your water? You could also drink non-caffeinated herbal teas to mask the flavor. I brew a few cups of herbal tea a day and put a drop of liquid stevia in and it tastes great.

k8blujay2

It also has a tendency to give you more energy as it is going to your organs so they work more effiecently (sp?)... and for me, I'm not drinking my calories.

But if you don't like the taste of water, you can always try getting an infuser to put fruits in it to put a little different taste into it.

anberlingasm

If you don't drink enough, your body will retain water in order to hydrate itself. It won't want to let it go. It's the water retention that means you won't get a loss on the scales. Drink more water, your body will let the water go and you won't have any 'water weight'.

2fit4fat

The gain is water retention which happens even more for some people if they just started working out too, I gain and then drop a few weeks lster... Some people it is just a few dsys. It helps keep u tregular, helps flush out toxins and keep everytjing running as it should. Helps clear skin, also naturally fills you up so you dont eat as much, so many wonderful things.

RobynErin

that much water is likely resulting in water retention which will effect the scale

pinkraynedropjacki

I drink water all the time, can't stand the taste of tap water anymore now though but I try to get through as much as I can. I can easy do 14 cups. Downside is I feel like I'm drowning & then I go to wee more. I can just get off the loo & then have that urge that I need to go again. I drink less & it happens less. I guess it's my body telling me the water is doing it's job but enough already lol. Try this.

1 lemon thinly sliced
1 cucumber thinly sliced
1.5ltr water
1tb grated ginger

Add them all to the jug of water & let sit in the fridge for at least 12 hours (so make some at night for the next day) then drink during the day. Not only does it taste great, but is really good for you.

2fit4fat

Lemons, limes, cucumber, oranges etc can all make it taste better.. Just add a few slices to a cup, waterbottle or pitcher, I also will have one cup (tyechnically two sincr its 16 oz) of some other flavored no cal drink, if the water is just g daetting to me that day



*sorry for the typos... New phone lol hard to get used to

WallyGirl358

I hate water! Before I began this journey, I'd go weeks without drinking any. Coffee, pop, or tea was it. I still hate water but make myself drink it because it helps flush our system. I look at it this way, it is probably the single most easiest thing to do to get or stay fit. It's easier than working out and easier than eating rabbit food!

I drink a bottled water first thing in the morning, one at lunch before I eat, one right before my workout, one right after my workout then at least one more with dinner or evening. That is a minimum of five so that is approximately 84 ounces. Over the recommended allowance.

Good luck!

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MissLuana

WalMart carries a yummy line of carbonated flavored waters. Everything from strawberry to pomergranite acai. To me, they taske like soda. They're only $.68 for a big bottle and they taste really good. The nutritional label has on zeros on it...lol.

RachelGraceReed83

Whenever I up my water intake my nails grow stronger, my skin clears up, and seems to be better moisterized. A noticeable difference for me.

OnceAndFutureAthlete

Kind of a sidetrack, but...

Believe it or not, different waters can taste really differently. To different people.
Tap water, of course, can have things like chlorine and fluoride that you might not like the taste of.
If you don't like what you "normally" drink, you might try something else.

I think Evian tastes "dusty" but my mom loves it.
I like Poland Spring and she can't stand it.
My favorite is Fiji, but I'm a bit of a "greenie", so I now refuse to dring water that has traveled halfway across the world in a plastic bottle.

I use a Brita filter for pitchers of water - even use it for my cookings, coffee and tea. (My tap water has a LOT of chlorine.)
I've heard good things about the ZeroWater device.

So, not that you need to drink plain water only, all the time, .but trying different ones and starting from there - and sometimes following the other suggestions upthread - may help.

goldengodd3ss

Thanks everyone for your tips, insight, benefits of water explanations and above all some motivation to help me drink more!

BrianSharpe

I think the other major reason to drink lots of water is that when you're not thirsty you're unlikely to reach for that big bottle of soda that is crammed full of high fructose corn syrup.

trysha1231

Water helps your cells be more productive which in turn helps you lose weight more rapidly.
Drink ice water to help raise your metabolism.

Exactly! It helps keep your metabolism going! Plus, it helps your skin look better

Joannie30

I have the same problem with water. I cannot bear to drink it on its own. I just pop a splash (literally just a tiny tiny amount) of no added sugar cordial in there. It gives it a hint of flavour.

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