Today’s small-but-vital step towards permanent weight loss is a super simple one.
It is this – support your amazing body by increasing the mount of water you drink.
Why?
According to Dr Batmanghelidj, author of Your Body’s Many Cries for Water, many of the aches and pains that we experience on a daily basis, are actually the preliminary effects of dehydration.
You see dehydration is your body’s enemy. All functions within your body – from aiding digestion, decreasing fatigue, and regulating body temperature – require the presence of water.
When your body senses a lack of water it slows down these natural bodily functions, including your metabolism.
Confusion between hunger and thirst signals
Another reason to increase your water intake is that our brain doesn’t know the difference between hunger and thirst. We very often confuse the two signals.
When you find yourself hungry – especially at an odd time of the day – more often than not, you’re just plain old thirsty.
And when you confuse the hunger and thirst signal, it doesn’t matter how much food you eat, it’ll never quite feel like it ‘hit the spot’.
So, if you’re craving a snack, go and have a glass of water. Or a cup of herbal if that’s your thing.
And if you’re still hungry after 15 minutes, have the snack.
While eating said snack, remember to eat slowly eat mindfully, and when you’re satisfied, stop.
How much water is enough?
I’m often asked by clients “so, exactly how much water should I drink?”
You’ve probably heard the rule of thumb that says eight glasses of water per day is optimum.
I have to admit I’m not big on prescribing rules of thumb – because we’re all individuals.
What I do prescribe is that you start to listen to your amazing body.
The quantity of water you need is unique to you. It’s going to depend on the temperature, how much exercise you’re taking, and whether you’re eating oodles of water-rich fruits and vegetables or you’re consuming mostly highly processed foods, for example.
Rather than overcomplicate things – simply get into the habit of drinking more water every day, especially when you feel hungry.
It’s an easy step. We in the western world are lucky enough to have easy access to water, so why not start listening to your body’s many cries for water and answer it with a hydrating glass or two?
Your amazing body will thank you for it.
Love etc, Avril
