I’ll be the first to admit, I LOVE carbonation. I love pop but I don’t drink it because I know there’s nothing good in it for me. I know it’s full of sugar. I know I’m going to regret it later. I know I have to abstain from pop.
“But just plain water is just blah.”
Or is it “blah” because I’m used to sugar and all their artificial sweeteners and flavoring?
Food for thought. If I only feed myself water or occasional salt and electrolytes for fluids, would I feel the same way? If I stopped giving my body sweeteners and chemicals, would my body stop craving it? Does my body crave what I feed it?
YES!
The human body is made up of 55-60% of WATER. Planet earth is made up of 71% of WATER. Water is literally the lifeblood of existence.
Hydration is not only important to stay alive it’s also important for weight loss and fitness. It’s that for several reasons:
1. Metabolism: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When you are well-hydrated, your body can efficiently convert food into energy and burn calories more effectively. Dehydration can slow down your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight.
2. Appetite control: Sometimes, your body can confuse thirst with hunger, leading you to eat when you’re actually thirsty. Staying well-hydrated can help you differentiate between true hunger and the need for fluids, which can prevent overeating and unnecessary calorie consumption.
3. Energy levels: Dehydration can lead to fatigue and reduced energy levels. When you’re feeling tired and sluggish, you’re less likely to engage in physical activities and exercise, which are essential for weight loss and overall fitness.
4. Exercise performance: Hydration plays a critical role in exercise performance. When you’re properly hydrated, you have better endurance, strength, and coordination. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and reduced exercise capacity, making it harder to achieve your fitness goals.
5. Thermoregulation: When you exercise, your body temperature increases. Sweating is the primary way your body cools down during physical activity. Proper hydration is necessary to maintain your body’s ability to regulate temperature, prevent overheating, and perform at your best during workouts.
6. Recovery: After exercising, staying hydrated helps with the recovery process. Hydration supports the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to your muscles, aiding in the repair and growth of muscle tissue. Inadequate hydration can lead to delayed recovery and muscle soreness.
7. Fat loss: Water is crucial for several bodily functions, including the breakdown and elimination of fat. Proper hydration supports the body’s natural processes for metabolizing and excreting waste products and toxins, which can contribute to weight loss.
8. Water retention: Paradoxically, not drinking enough water can lead to water retention and bloating. When you’re consistently well-hydrated, your body is less likely to hold onto excess water, leading to a leaner appearance. Sounds backwards right? But it’s true!
9. Digestion: Hydration is essential for proper digestion. It helps transport nutrients throughout your body and supports the breakdown of food. Adequate water intake can prevent constipation and digestive discomfort, which can affect weight loss efforts. Nobody wants to be backed up, so drink up!
In summary, staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health and plays a significant role in supporting weight loss and fitness goals. To ensure you’re adequately hydrated, it’s essential to drink an appropriate amount of water each day, particularly if you’re physically active. The specific water intake requirements can vary from person to person, but a general guideline is to aim for around 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, at a minimum though individual needs may differ based on factors like climate, activity level, and body size. Truly I recommend half your body weight in ounces but that’s a tall glass to fill. (Dad jokes)
Ultimately listen to your body, and drink water when you feel thirsty to help meet your hydration needs. #PassOnThePop
Nick Carignan
CrossFit 8 Mile