So I have discussed a few different weight loss tips this week, and wanted to give you yet another one-a BIG one. Get your pad and pencil ready because this is probably one of the most overlooked weight loss tips in the books.
So what's the big secret? Well, actually you have probably heard it a million times over, but as I mentioned before-most people just overlook or forget-to drink enough water during the day. That transparent, seemingly tasteless substance that makes up about 70% of who and what we are as humans has many more far-reaching effects than you may think.
So how can something so simple as water play a role in weight loss? Well, for one it's part of what we are as I just mentioned, so that alone must indicate to you that it must be important. Well, that and the fact that everyone-doctors, trainers and even your mother have tried drilling it into you time and again. The fact is, it's is essential not only to fat loss but to survival.
But how can something so simple as water play a role in weight loss? Well, for one it's part of what we are as I just mentioned, so that alone must indicate to you that it must be an important substance for us to survive.
Water cushions your organs and protects them from impact, makes up most of your blood and tissue supply and plays a major role in metabolism and moving nutrients in and out of cells and waste products out of your body. Water filters the kidneys and liver which are probably the two most important and functional organs in processing what you consume and eliminating toxins from the body.
Now why is this important for weight loss? Well, for effective weight loss, you want to lose fat, right? Well, without sufficient water, your body tends to "hold on" to it's fat supply by utilizing the water in fat cells and other cells throughout the body to perform its regular functions. This can lead to major problems.
Severe dehydration causes your cells and even capillaries carrying essential blood, vitamins and minerals to "shrink" causing your organs-including your heart, liver and kidneys to go into overdrive. So you see where this is going? It's a ripple effect toward a really bad outcome when our bodies do not get sufficient water.
This is even more important for athletes to know because when we exercise, we lose water through sweat. This water loss has to be replenished somehow-and that is done through drinking water before, during, and after a workout. In fact, athletes tend to need more than the recommended 8-10 glasses of water a day, depending on the type and amount of exercise they do.
Another major function of water is temperature control. Water helps us keep our bodies at an ideal temperature so as not to damage our cells. In fact, sweating is our bodies natural, built in, central a/c unit that "cools" our bodies as temperatures rise when we exercise. Insufficient water can cause temperature to "spike" which can onset a number of dangerous conditions including hyperventilation, heat stroke, cardiac arrest and eventually, death.
So, what is the lesson here? DRINK ENOUGH WATER! And below are some other pointers that you should also remember when it comes to maintaining yourself hydrated:
1. Decrease sodium intake. Hi levels of sodium and salt "absorb" the water supply in your body causing excess thirst and bloating as well as high blood pressure since the water concentration in cells has been depleted.
2. Avoid working out when the sun is at it's hottest. Excess heat can cause you to sweat more-and we have discussed sweating and water loss. If you must workout in hot temperatures, be sure to drink extra water, and wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing if possible which allows your skin to "breathe".
3. Replace or dilute high-sodium fitness drinks with water. There are several fitness drinks out there on the market today. The problem with these drinks is many of them are very high in-you guessed it-sodium. Now for extreme athletes, a little sodium is good to replace the electrolytes lost through extreme amounts of perspiration.
But, for most of us it's best to just stick to good ol' water, or you can dilute these drinks with water. (Many of these drinks also contain a whole lot of sugar, coloring, and additives, which you should avoid anyway).
4. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Many health and fitness experts have pointed out that thirst is your body's way of telling you that you already are dehydrated. Be sure to sip water all throught the day, even if you are not working out. And when you will be exercising, be sure to get at least 8-16 ounces at least one hour before exercising, and continue drinking during and after your workout to replace lost fluids.
Water may seem like a simple substance, but it is a life source that has far-reaching and very complex effects on our bodies.
Author Resource:-
Get the list of 20 "Blueprints" I created that allowed me to transform my body and win the 1998 Body For Life contest. Imagine getting the body you've always wanted! Only available at Harry's Blog
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