Water is all around us.  It is in almost everything we eat and drink.  The average adult human body is made up of 50-65% water.  We need water to survive.  Humans can live only three days without water.  Knowing all this, we still take water for granted, and we do not drink enough of it.  As a personal trainer, the two questions I am asked most frequently are, “How much water should I drink daily?”, and “Exactly why do I need to drink so much water?”.

Besides the fact that we simply need water to survive, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst for losing weight and keeping it off.  Although most of us take it for granted,  water may be the only true “magic potion” for helping with weight loss.  Here is a list of 11 benefits of drinking water, (note that several are related to weight loss):

• Water naturally helps suppress the appetite.
• Water helps metabolize stored fat.
• Drinking water helps with fluid retention.
• An increase in water intake can reduce fat deposits.
• Water helps maintain proper muscle tone.
• Water helps rid the body of waste.
• Water helps prevent daytime fatigue.
• Water helps balance body fluids.
• Water makes your skin look good.
• Water helps kidney function.
• Drinking water can help control calories.

Sadly, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.   We often confuse dehydration with hunger, so we eat something.  The next time you feel hungry, try drinking a glass of water.

Sixty-four ounces of water is the recommendation for daily function of the average person.  However, if you are outdoors in the heat, or an athlete, or an overweight person, you may need more than 64 ounces.

If you have not been a water drinker, let me encourage you to start NOW!  Take the Water Challenge and begin by drinking one 8 oz. glass every morning when you get up.  Rather than drinking soda or tea with your meal, drink water.  Then, before you go to bed, drink another 8 oz. glass.  Each day, try to consume more water by drinking a glass mid-morning and one glass mid-afternoon.  Just by doing this, you can increase your water intake significantly.

By drinking water, “the master medicine”, you can look good, stay alert, and avoid digestive problems.  You can also improve muscle and skin tone, and help protect the body from infection.  So, cheers to drinking water and making it part of your plan for a healthy lifestyle!

Always consult a physician before starting any new dietary program.

Maria Wells

Personal Trainer

Talk Show Host of FITTALK Radio 105.9 WVGA

Listen in every Thursday 6-7 PM

Or online @ valdostatoday.com