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Lose weight with water
by Sharon Biggs

'Must drink more water, must drink…' We all know that the wet stuff is essential for life - but did you know it can help you lose weight?
Water keeps us cool, lubricates our joints and flushes toxins from our bodies, but admit it, how many of us really drink the recommended two litres a day? For those of us who do struggle to drink enough, the great news is that water actually can help you in the battle against the bulge.

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Now for the science bit
Your metabolism is the bio-mechanical process that breaks food down and turns it into energy. In a nutshell, it consumes calories. Since metabolism is your best ally in the frontline against weight, you want it to be working at full speed. Water is the fuel that drives metabolism's chemical reactions. So, if you're not drinking enough, you won't burn as many calories as you can. Simple.

Running on empty?
If you're not drinking enough water - at least 2 litres a day - here's how your body is being affected:

Your weight loss will slow right down. This is because about 2.5 litres of water is naturally lost through daily bodily functions such as going to the loo and sweating. If you don't replenish this water you'll soon become dehydrated, and your metabolism will be among the first to shut down. So, if you're dieting and you can't seem to shift the weight, perhaps it's because you aren't drinking enough water.

Your digestion will suffer. Water is essential for digestion and elimination. Poor digestion means you won't be absorbing the goodness from your food. Your body in turn will send up signals (read: cravings) for food that has minerals your body lacks.

You'll feel 'fake' hunger. When dehydrated, your body sends out the same signals that prompt you to eat and you may end up answering that response with food. Water will not only curb those hunger pangs, but it will fill you up. Fitness trainer Bob Greene recommends drinking a tall glass of water half an hour before a meal to fill the void and prevent overeating (For more information, check out Get With the Program, Getting Real About Your Weight, Health and Emotional Well-Being by Bob Greene, Simon and Schuster, £15)

You won't get the full benefit of exercise. Your metabolism increases with exercise, and as we mentioned earlier, water is essential to maximise your metabolism. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout.
Mine's a pint (or five)?
How much H2O should you drink? The British Dietetic Association suggests adults drink 2.5 litres (that's a little over five pints) of fluids a day, which can include fruit juices, squash and weak tea and coffee. This amount is recommended for maintaining your daily fluid requirements. If your aim is to lose weight, add another 750ml to that and you'll aid your metabolism and help create new muscle weight.

You know you're drinking enough water if your urine is clear and odourless (not including your first urination of the morning).

But sorry, ladies, even though it's technically fluid, alcohol can't be included in your daily intake. That's because booze is dehydrating - so if you are going to have a tipple or two, drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol.

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