Drink more Water

When the heat of summer is on and you are active outside, it is easy to drink more water to quench your thirst. But during the cooler weather or if you work in an air-conditioned office and don’t get out in the heat often you might not reach for that drink of water as often, even though it’s just as important.

Why is water important? Water helps move nutrients to where our body needs them and helps to transport waste products out of the body. Water functions as a lubricant around joints and a shock absorber around cells. Water enables countless chemical reactions to take place and helps regulate body temperature. Water is especially important during weight loss because your body needs increased fluids to help get rid of wastes from the breakdown of fat and to help control regularity. Increased fluid intake can also help maintain satiety between meals.

You know you should drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water each day, but did you know that water in other drinks (except alcohol) also counts towards your daily intake? You can meet up to half of your daily water requirements (32 oz.) with low calorie drinks such as a non-alcoholic, sugar-free flavored drinks, diet sodas, coffees or teas. Such beverages offer great tasting flavors and satisfy your thirst.

Remember, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to take a drink. By then, your body has already begun to dehydrate. Instead, practice preventive maintenance -- drink before thirst sets in.

Try these tips to increase your water intake:

* Drink one 8 oz. beverage before a meal or snack and one with each meal or snack to help curb your appetite. Remember WLS post-op patients should not eat and drink at the same time.

* Keep a 32 oz. pitcher of sugar-free flavored drink in the refrigerator. Strive to finish the entire pitcher within one day to meet half of your daily water needs.

* Take it with you! Carry a filled water bottle with you when you’re running errands, driving your car, going for a walk, etc.

* Use your daily food diary to track your water intake.