As incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing fat and keeping it off.

Our bodies are made up of 60% water. We can live for weeks without food, but we will perish in a matter of days without water.

In fact, every physiological process that takes place in your body, including burning fat and developing lean muscle, depends on water.

For example, your liver needs water to convert stored fat to energy.

In addition, if your kidneys are water-deprived, the liver has to do the kidneys’ work all on its own, lowering its ability to help you burn fat.

So if you’re not drinking enough water, you’re setting yourself up to store fat.

Water is also a natural appetite suppressant, so if you’re low on water, you may overeat to compensate.

Your brain does not know how to differentiate between hunger and thirst. If you think you’re hungry, your body may be sending signs that you’re thirsty.

So any time you think you’re hungry, drink a glass or two of water first. If it’s thirst, your hunger will go away.

Also, when you plan to go out to dinner or attend a social event, drink a few extra glasses to keep your appetite under control.

If you wait to drink water until you are thirsty, you will already be partially dehydrated.

So it’s important to make drinking water a habit and set reminders to keep yourself drinking throughout the day!

If you have a hard time remembering to drink water, here’s a quick video of a really simple trick that makes it so easy.

Signs of Dehydration

Here are a few common symptoms of dehydration. If you notice any of these, drink several glasses of water immediately and make a conscious effort to drink more throughout the day.

1. The most common symptom of dehydration is a headache. A major function of water is to flush toxins from the body. Your brain is 75% water so even being slightly dehydrated can cause a headache.

2. Poor concentration, dizziness, and/or fatigue. Your muscles are 80% water and will fatigue easily if you are the slightest amount dehydrated.

3. Reduced urine output or dark urine. Ideally you want your urine to be a clear or pale yellow. This indicates a good state of hydration.

4.Bad breath. If you don¹t have enough water passing through your mouth, bacteria can build up and cause bad breath.

5. Your skin should feel elastic. When you pinch the skin on the back of your hand, it should snap back instantly. If it doesn¹t, you may be dehydrated.

6. Water retention, such as swollen ankles or puffy eyes. If you don’t drink enough, your body will retain water as a safety mechanism.

Be Careful What Else You Drink

Just as it’s important to drink lots of water, it’s also really important that you avoid, or at least limit, high-calorie drinks, such as soda, juices, coffee drinks, and alcohol.

Because they’re so high in calories, they can totally sabotage your success no matter how well you’re eating. If you’re not sure if your favorite beverage is “acceptable” or not, please reply with details and I’ll be happy to help!

It’s very common for my clients to tell me they hate water. I understand, I used to dislike it too. But trust me, if you take the right steps to transition to drinking water, you will develop a taste for it and will be very pleased with the results.

Here are a few suggestions for making the transition:

• Add a splash of low-sugar fruit juice such as cranberry, apple, or grape juice.
• Add fresh mint or slices of cucumber.
• Add a squeeze of fresh orange, lemon, or lime or use a packet of crystallized lemon or lime.
• Make herbal iced tea or try Crystal Lite Pure (all-natural).

I hope you found this helpful. If there’s anything I can do to help you , please let me know!