5 Things Dietitians Wish You Knew About Losing Weight - Part 3

What You're Drinking Can Pack on the Pounds

Don’t forget that drinks can have a big impact on your weight-loss success. Whenever possible, opt for low-calorie or calorie-free beverages such as fat-free milk, water, or seltzer. If alcohol is a part of your social life, it can be difficult to abstain completely so make better choices and limit yourself to one light alcoholic beverage like a wine spritzer and drink water the rest of the time. When you drink water can also make a difference. A recent study showed that drinking sixteen ounces of water thirty minutes before a meal may aid weight loss.

Comment:  When I first gave up my sweet tea I found water to taste really ‘nasty.’  Now that I drink only water I find tea ‘nasty’ tasting.  And believe me, if you drink 16 oz. of water before a meal you will find yourself eating way less than you normally do.

Your Body and Water - Part 7

You May Need More Water If You're in a Hot Area

Water is essential for regulating your body temperature, so if you're outside on a hot day or stuck inside without air conditioning, you're going to need more water as the heat causes you to sweat more. Even if you're not active, spending the day in 90-degree temperature conditions could more than double your fluid requirement. And even more if you're physically active.

Your Body and Water - Part 6

You May Need More Water If You're Physically Active

Increased activity like exercise or physical labor can increase the amount of fluid lost when you sweat. It's best to drink two to three cups of water before your activity begins and drink about one cup of water every 15 minutes or so while you're active. You might need even more if you're working or exercising in extreme temperatures.

Your Body and Water - Part 5

You May Need More Water If You Can't Think Straight

Water is essential for brain function. Studies show that a loss of about two percent of your body fluid can cause a decline in mental function, so if you're having trouble concentrating, it may be time for a water break. 

Your Body and Water - Part 4

There are some things that can cause bad breath like eating onions or garlic. But another potential reason is a lack of normal saliva production. Even mild dehydration can reduce saliva flow so if your bad breath is accompanied by a dry mouth, drinking more water throughout the day may help. Keep a glass of water by your bedside for nighttime relief, too.

Your Body and Water - Part 3

Thirst is the desire to drink something. It can be triggered by the loss of fluid volume in and around cells and in the blood. Thirst is your body's way of saying you need water to avoid dehydration.

Thirst has a behavioral component as well and can be triggered by aromas and flavors, so just thinking about your favorite beverage can make you thirsty. It's also important to note that older people often have problems with the thirst mechanism and may not feel thirsty even when they're dehydrated.

Your Body and Water - Part 2

How Do You Know If You're Drinking Enough Water?

Most people can gauge their water intake by looking at urine color. If you're getting enough water, your urine will be pale yellow, and you'll urinate several times a day. Urine color doesn't work for everyone. Taking dietary supplements that contain riboflavin will make your urine bright yellow, and certain medications can change the color of your urine, as well. And if you have any kidney problems or other heath conditions you should talk to your health care provider about how much water to drink.

Your Body and Water - Part 1

I'm still trying to eat and drink with health in mind so when I found this I decided it was too good not to share.  It's from a site called Very Well. 

Your body contains more water than anything else, about 60 percent of your total body weight. Water helps regulate your body temperature, transports nutrients, and helps remove waste. Every day you lose water when you breathe, sweat, urinate, and defecate, and that water needs to be replenished. 

The big question is how much water do you need to drink every day? Although that's a simple question, it doesn't have an easy answer. It depends on some environmental and physical factors that can change every day. Also, it's not just the water you drink – about 20 percent of your water intake comes from the foods you eat. The remaining 80 percent comes from beverages, including water, coffee, tea, milk, and anything liquid.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy reviewed years of research evidence on adequate water intake and has the following recommendations:

Men: 13 cups (about 10.5 cups from beverages)

Women: 9 cups (about 7 cups from beverages)

Pregnant women: 10 cups (about 8 cups from beverages)

Breastfeeding women: 13 cups (about 10.5 cups from beverages)

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 5

5. Water

Yep, it’s that simple. Hydration plays a role in an efficient metabolism. Drink a large glass of water with lemon when you wake up and continue to drink throughout the day — at least eight cups. Not only will being properly hydrated help boost your metabolism slightly, but it will also help you not mistake hunger for thirst. Get chugging!

Comments:  I've always been a BIG sweet tea drinker.I drank it at every meal and all day long.  Some time back I started drinking more water and cutting down on the tea.  I now drink no tea with my meals and drink only water.  I also drink a several glasses throughout the day.  Had my physical a few weeks ago and my sugar, which was well over 100 is now 86!  So, if water does nothing else it can really lower your sugar.

Cold Water to Go

More Tidbits - Water

Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent

Tidbits - Did you know?

If you stop getting thirsty, you need to drink more water. When a human body is dehydrated, its thirst mechanism shuts off