Water is a vastly underestimated tool in losing weight. Not only is it essential to keep our bodies hydrated and to flush out toxins, it can help in a weight loss program in a number of ways.

Benefits of drinking water

• By drinking plenty of water you will feel more alert, have more energy and generally feel better. When you feel better, you are more likely to have the energy to exercise, which will help you lose weight. If can be difficult to get the motivation to exercise at the best of times, but if you are feeling lethargic and dehydrated it can be impossible!
• Toxins accumulate in our bodies through bad eating habits and if we are not drinking enough fluids to get rid of them. When we are ´toxic´ we generally feel unhealthy, again, with little energy to exercise or motivation to follow a healthy diet. That is why you should drink plenty of water as well as cutting out junk foods so that you can get rid of all these toxins.
• When you are dehydrated, ironically you are also more likely to binge eat as you can often misinterpret your body crying out for water as the need to snack.
• A glass of water has absolutely no calories! So you can drink as much of it as you like. Commercial fruit juices almost always have sugar added, sodas are very high in sugar, but water is sugar-free. So in addition to the health benefits drinking lots of water provides, you will not be adding any calories to your diet by drinking it.

Top tips for drinking water

• As soon as you wake up in the morning, the first thing you should before having breakfast is have at least one glass of water. It will give you a little boost in the morning and give your body a wake up call to start the day. If you can´t live without coffee or tea in the morning, just make sure that you have your glass of water first.
• By drinking a glass of water before having your breakfast, your stomach will not feel so empty and you will be less inclined to overeat.
• In the same way, you should do this before each meal. You can also have a glass of water during the meal, just make sure you take small sips rather than drinking it all in one go.
• An incredible 66% of your body is water which is why it is so important to make sure that you replenish it regularly. Some vegetables have an even higher concentration of water. For example, tomatoes and watermelons are made up of 90-95% water content so if you include these in your daily diet you can increase your water intake further.

Water costs nothing (unless you prefer to buy bottled water), it has no calories, it is essential to good health and can help you lose weight. If you have not been drinking water regularly before, it is time to start!