Is water really important?

DianaGabriela2013
DianaGabriela2013 Posts: 108 Member
edited November 21 in Health and Weight Loss
Ok so if its all about CICO is water that important?
I'm not gonna lie, I have a hard time drinking water. But so do teachers/professors, nurses, line factory workers, etc. Not everyone has easy access to the bathroom every 20 minutes.
So how important is it for losing weight?

Replies

  • MegaMooseEsq
    MegaMooseEsq Posts: 3,118 Member
    edited September 2017
    Eh, I think the general consensus is that increasing water consumption is overrated when it comes to weight loss and health in general. Obviously you need water to live, but most people get plenty of water from other beverages and from their food, so the whole "8 glass a day" thing is probably overstated. For weight loss, a lot of people sub in water for drinks with calories, and of course, staying hydrated is vital for exercise. But otherwise? I wouldn't stress about water.
  • earlnabby
    earlnabby Posts: 8,171 Member
    edited September 2017
    Proper hydration allows all your bodily functions to work at its optimal level.

    Hydration does NOT help you lose weight, other than allowing the body to work at its optimal level, including metabolism.

    What proper hydration is varies from person to person.

    I do drink a lot, mostly seltzer with some coffee. I am retired so having access to a toilet is not an issue. I DO substitute teach on occasion. On those days I time my consumption because I can't be running to the bathroom all the time. Basically, I have my morning coffee and take a 24 oz bottle of water to school. I sip on it during breaks and lunch and it is usually empty by the end of the day. When I get home, I try to drink at least another liter over the course of the evening.
  • SarahMacphail1
    SarahMacphail1 Posts: 36 Member
    Specifically water or just drinking plenty? I definitely lose more when forcing myself to drink more (I'm terrible, lucky if I drink 500ml a day and am always being told by the doc that I'm dehydrated) but I don't drink plain water.

    But yeah, the running to the toilet every 20 minutes really isn't practical unless you're sat at home all day!
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    I don't drink water hardly ever. I drink lot's of tea and some sugar free energy drinks.
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,831 Member
    The idea that drinking a lot of water helps with weight loss has been debunked. There is no specific amount of water everyone should drink. You should drink enough to be well hydrated and you determine that by the color of your urine. It should be light yellow or straw colored. If darker you need more water. If clear, you are drinking too much water. You can get most if not all your hydration through food. For example, a stalk of celery is 95% water.

    Many folks don't drink enough water to stay hydrated. Those who quit drinking a high calorie beverage may forget to replace the water it was providing. As we age, we are more in danger of dehydration because we don't feel the thirst as much. Constipation becomes a problem if you are not drinking enough water. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to concentrate on getting enough water for your health.

    Water weight comes and goes because of salt consumption, hormones, sleep quality, exercise, injury, weather, etc. It accounts for much of the daily variation in weight. Expect that variation and stay appropriately hydrated.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    I drink when thirsty. I think that works fine for most people. My girlfriend doesn't really get thirsty, though, so that rule doesn't work for everybody.

    Personally, I think people can tell the difference between hunger pangs and a dry mouth.
  • Old_Cat_Lady
    Old_Cat_Lady Posts: 1,193 Member
    I found that it takes 20 minutes for that water to "want to come out". If you are at work, you could drink a glass of water 20 minutes before your break. Just an idea.
  • 2DUNNY
    2DUNNY Posts: 101 Member
    i hate water and find it very difficult to drink in excess of the amount it takes to take my pills. i went through this phase where i was forcing myself to drink "8 glasses per day" but it didn't change my weight loss. now i only drink water when i take my pills, and that's it. i am just not thirsty, and would prefer to drink tea or milk with meals.
  • DianaGabriela2013
    DianaGabriela2013 Posts: 108 Member
    2DUNNY wrote: »
    i hate water and find it very difficult to drink in excess of the amount it takes to take my pills. i went through this phase where i was forcing myself to drink "8 glasses per day" but it didn't change my weight loss. now i only drink water when i take my pills, and that's it. i am just not thirsty, and would prefer to drink tea or milk with meals.

    Water is boring!! ha ha. Glad I'm not the only one.
  • Fitnessgirl0913
    Fitnessgirl0913 Posts: 481 Member
    I sip on water all day but that is only to keep my mouth busy (insert obvious innuendo here lol) because I find that helps me snack less throughout the day. But the whole "drinking your body weight in ounces of water or 8 glasses a day blah blah" is not necessary as long as you are staying hydrated, it can come from whatever you like!
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    Why on earth would you drink so much of anything if it meant you had to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes?!
    It doesn't help weight loss unless your bathroom round trip is a long one.

    I drink when thirsty and haven't died or become dehydrated yet. I like water but drink a load of other things too.

    The only time I make a conscious effort on hydration levels is for a multi-hour and hot weather cycle rides.
  • MegaMooseEsq
    MegaMooseEsq Posts: 3,118 Member
    Fitnessgirl0913 wrote: »
    I sip on water all day but that is only to keep my mouth busy (insert obvious innuendo here lol) because I find that helps me snack less throughout the day. But the whole "drinking your body weight in ounces of water or 8 glasses a day blah blah" is not necessary as long as you are staying hydrated, it can come from whatever you like!

    I sip water or tea all day both to keep away the bored snackies AND to have an excuse to get up from my desk on a regular basis. Maybe not every 20 minutes regular, but every hour sure.
  • Nykkismommy21
    Nykkismommy21 Posts: 224 Member
    edited September 2017
    I always had a hard time drinking water. Especially faucet or tap water.But I notice if I put it in a jug and make it extremely cold And icy ,I am more likely to drink it. I also buy bottled water. I didn't used to ,but since trying to lose weight and maintain an overall healthier lifestyle, I have started to do what it takes to drink my water. I think of it like this. If you drink lots of water, than your fat has an easier time leaving your body. Have you ever thought about how fat leaves your body? Water(sweat, urinating) is one of them.Another is expelling it through your breath. My weight loss is very consistant since drinking lots of water. I try to drink 32oz to 56 or 64oz. Not too much more than that because you can get sick from drinking tooo much water. I have a harder time drinking water on the weekends though.. I guess because the weekend is when I take a break from walking a few miles. And in this California heat, you neeed to stay hydrated when outside. Girl ,drink your water,you will notice the weight melt away easier. Plus,having good hydration is great for keeping skin younger looking. That is why I have learned aldo to love eating watermelon. Lots and lots of water.I never liked it before. And I love fruit. Fruit and water is the fountain of youth in my opinion :)
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Water is very important. As important as food and air. But you don't have to get it by drinking plain water. Water can come from any beverage and many foods.
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