Water is great for you. Proper hydration helps your brain stay alert, your cells function at top rate, and your exercise performance on key.
There's another benefit to water, too, and it pertains to weight loss. That said, some so-called experts make it seem like H20 is an instant fat burner. Except that's not really true. It's a little more complex than that.
There's some truth behind the claim that water can help you lose weight. “Oftentimes water is pushed to those seeking weight loss because there is a belief that water can ‘fill you up’ leading to eating less often or less volume come meal time,” says Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN.
So because you’re filling up on water, you’ll be less likely to snack and can better control hunger. Plus, as the theory goes, when you are hydrated and eating foods that have high water content, you are more likely to have better hydration overall throughout the day to help manage weight.
“Poor hydration can mean that your body continues to seek out fluid through the foods you are eating though, which is why sometimes people feel as if they may eat less when they have water before or at a meal,” Jones says.
So, rather than trying to use water to mask your hunger, sip water regularly throughout the day in an attempt to prevent feelings of thirst (a sign you're already dehydrated) and then you may have a more regular appetite regulation throughout the day.
“Along with well balanced meals and snacks, adequate hydration may help you better listen to your hunger and fullness cues, helping your body reach the weight it is meant to be over time,” she says. Still though, beyond weight management, can it help you drop weight when you’re looking to slim down?