Aych too Oh.

Most of the time when we read or hear about losing weight, drinking water is usually somewhere in the mix.  I have recently found that water can be a very important part in losing weight.  I will let you know how (from what I read here and here) and hopefully you will become a little closer to one of my best friends (water).

1)  Usually, the first few pounds that you lose are from water loss.  If you don't drink enough water, you will get dehydrated and/or bloated.  Dehydration slows down the fat-burning process so you MUST NOT GET DEHYRDATED. haha!  Ok, so there are a lot of other more important reasons why you shouldn't get dehydrated but that is an important one for us at this time.

2) To quote the first link: "Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume; a reduction in blood volume causes a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles; and a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles can make you feel tired."  I have experienced this one a lot when it is hot (always) and it is a big bummer when you need to exercise or you just did and then you crash.  Gotta drink that water!

3) Does anyone like constipation?  I don't think so.  Why would I ask?  Well, in a healthy diet, we should be getting enough fiber.  Fiber helps with digestion but if you aren't getting enough water, you can actually get constipated.  SOOO,  don't let that happen.  Not fun.

4) Drinking water with a meal can make you feel fuller sooner.  That means you will eat less.  That means you will lose weight.  Cool.

5) It has been proven (you can read about it in the second link) that drinking water before eating with help you lose weight.  It has also been proven that drinking COLD water is more effective at that.  You go, COLD water!

6) Sometimes, when you get a craving or are feeling especially weak and want to put something in your stomach, you should choose water.  It can help fight those cravings and it has zero calories.  WIN WIN!!

7) This is a very small reason but it can only help.  Drinking cold water can help burn calories.  Your body uses calories to get the water up in temperature so that helps, right?

So obviously water is a part of losing weight that needs to be added into the equation.  I have noticed it saving me a couple of times when I am eyeballing a piece of chocolate or wanting to eat ALL of the dinner on the table.  I hope you all give water and try and let it work for you and your weight loss plan!  Good luck to you all!