How Much Water Should I Drink to Lose Weight?
There are a lot of different opinions out there about how much water you should drink to lose weight. Some people say that you need to drink eight glasses of water a day, while others claim that you only need to drink as much as you’re thirsty. So, what’s the truth? How much water should you really be drinking to lose weight? Interestingly, there is some scientific evidence to suggest that drinking more water can help you lose weight.
In this article, I’ll look at the science behind this claim. And I’ll also share the amount of water you should be drinking to lose weight. So, if you’re wondering how much water you should drink to lose weight, read on!
The Science Behind Drinking Water for Weight Loss
There are a few different ways that drinking water can help you lose weight. First of all, water can help to increase your metabolism. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that drinking 500 ml of water can raise your metabolic rate by up to 30% in both men and women. This means that drinking water can help you burn more calories, even when you’re at rest. In addition, water can also help to fill you up and prevent you from overeating.
A study published in the European journal of nutrition found that people who drank water before meals ate fewer calories during their meals than those who didn’t drink any water. So, if you’re looking to lose weight, drinking water can definitely help. But how much water should you be drinking? Keep reading, and you’ll find out…
How Much Water Should You Drink to Lose Weight?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of water you need to drink to lose weight will depend on a number of factors, including:
- your body size
- how active are you
- what kind of diet you’re following?
That being said, a good general rule of thumb is to drink eight glasses of water a day. According to health experts, this amount will ensure that you’re getting enough water to support your metabolism and prevent you from overeating.
Of course, you may need to drink more or less than this depending on your individual needs. For example, if you’re very active, you’ll need to drink more water than someone who is mostly sedentary. And if you’re following a low-carb diet, you may need to drink even more water than usual, as this type of diet can lead to dehydration.
Also, keep in mind that people who live in hot climates may need to drink more water than others, as they tend to sweat more. And breastfeeding women will also need to drink more water than the average person.
Put simply: You should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. That means you should drink two liters of water each day. However, if you exercise regularly, live in a hot climate, or are breastfeeding, you may need to drink more than this.
When is the best time to drink water to lose weight?
1. When you wake up
The best time to drink water for weight loss is first thing in the morning. Drinking water on an empty stomach immediately after waking up will help to boost your metabolism and hydrate your body. It can also help to reduce your appetite, making you less likely to overeat during the day.
2. Before meals
Drinking water before meals can help you to eat less, as it fills up your stomach and makes you feel more satisfied.
3. Before, during, and after a workout
According to The American Council on Exercise, you should:
- drink 17 to 20 ounces of water two hours before you start exercising
- drink 7-10 ounces of water every 10-20 minutes while you exercise.
- drink 16 to 24 ounces of water within 30 minutes after you exercise.
Drinking water after a workout can help to rehydrate your body and replace any fluids that you may have lost during exercise. It can also help to boost your metabolism and reduce any muscle soreness that you may be experiencing.
4. Whenever you’re thirsty
Of course, whenever you feel like you need a drink, make sure to reach for water first and foremost. Not only will this help to keep you hydrated, but it can also help to fill you up and prevent you from overeating later on.
What is the best way to drink water to lose weight?
There are a few different ways that you can make sure you’re getting enough water each day. One of the simplest ways is to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. That way, you’ll always have water on hand whenever you get thirsty.
Another good option is to set a daily water intake goal using a water tracking app. There are a few different apps that you can use for this, including HydroCoach and Plant Nanny. These apps will help you to track your water intake and make sure you’re drinking enough water each day. Finally, another great option is to add some flavor to your water.
If you find plain water boring, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or orange. You can also add a few mint leaves or some cucumber slices. Doing this will make it more enjoyable to drink the recommended amount of water each day.
Final thoughts on how much water you should drink to lose weight
Drinking enough water is essential for weight loss. Not only does it help to boost your metabolism, but it can also help to fill you up and prevent you from overeating. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, though you may need to drink more or less depending on your individual needs. Pay attention to your thirst levels and make sure you’re drinking enough water to quench your thirst throughout the day.
If you find it difficult to drink that much water, try carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day or adding some flavor to your water. Following these tips can help you to reach your weight loss goals.
