[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]I’m feeling quite tired today and as a result I started to feel hungry and light headed. I’m sure you’ve all been there at some point, where you feel that reaching for food might make you feel more awake! Today I decided that I would fill that void with water rather than food.

You probably hear fitness, nutrition and health professionals telling you to drink two litres of water a day! But why is water so important to our health and even to weight loss? It’s recommended that an average adult consumes eight glasses, although you can and do get water from food, we suggest that you still to drink this amount each day.

Water and weight loss

Water itself will not make you lose more weight, but often our bodies and brains confuse thirst for hunger. So, drinking water before reaching for snacks can stop you from eating those extra calories. Drinking water prior to a meal can also help you to feel full and most people will consume fewer calories by doing this.

Studies have also shown that being hydrated means that we are better able to break down fat cells as your body will not function to its full potential if you are dehydrated. When your body is dehydrated it can affect your kidney and liver function, one of the roles of the liver is to metabolise fat which is stored in the body, meaning drinking water can indirectly help you to lose weight!

Water and exercise

It’s safe to say that we perform better when our bodies are hydrated. Our muscles are made up of around 75% water, so when they are starved of fluid they shrivel and muscles fatigue. So, drinking before and during exercise can help you to train harder resulting in a better calorie burn and a feeling of elation post workout as opposed to exhaustion.[/cs_text][x_image type=”none” src=”https://pgpt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Artboard-6-100.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][cs_text]

Water and your energy

A human brain is made up of about 80%-85% water. Dehydration can reduce cognitive function resulting in a drop-in concentration and energy. As blood is also mainly water, dehydration can also lead to us feeling tired and lazy. Also look out for dry lips and a not being able to pass urine.

Water and beauty

There are many health benefits, but did you also know that staying hydrated can also keep us looking young? Water flushes toxins from our bodies and keeps our skin looking brighter, clearer and can even reduce wrinkles!

Although fluid does not have to come from water there’s nothing better! Juices and fizzy drinks can be packed full of sugars or sweeteners along with calories. Tea and coffee is loaded with caffeine which is a diuretic, so even though you are drinking fluids caffeine can dehydrate our bodies.

So why not try swapping a coffee or soft drink for a water or even a caffeine free herbal tea. It has zero calories and loads of health benefits. I can assure you that I feel much better now than I did a glass ago![/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]