What’s completely calorie-free and helps you lose more weight? If you said “water”, you’re right on target. A new study shows drinking water before a meal helps boost weight loss. Plus, it keeps you well hydrated too.
Drink Water to Boost Weight Loss
Researchers at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia put the power of drinking water to the test. They gave 48 middle-aged and older adults either two 8-ounce glasses of water to drink before each meal – or nothing. Both groups ate a low-calorie diet during the three month study. At the end of the study, both groups were weighed. Who lost more weight? The group who drank nothing before their meals lost an average of eleven pounds over twelve weeks. On the other hand, the water drinkers lost an average of fifteen pounds during the same time period.
Why Do Water Drinkers Lose More Weight?
In a previous study, researchers found that dieters who sipped two glasses of water before a meal ate an average of eighty fewer calories when they finally sat down to eat. That eighty calorie savings at mealtime adds up over time. If you eat three meals a day, you could lose almost a pound every two weeks using this method alone. Not bad for something that comes out of the spigot.
People who drink water before a meal feel fuller when they eat and end up eating less – without feeling hungry. Other studies show that eating a high volume food that contains a lot of water before a meal, such as soup, can help you lose more weight by filling you up before you knock down too many calorie-dense foods.
Other Ways to Use Water to Boost Weight Loss
Drinking water before meals and eating high volume foods are two effective strategies for weight loss. Another strategy is to substitute water for the other beverages you routinely drink. Most people don’t realize how many calories they get from what they drink each day, especially if they drink sugar-sweetened drinks. Water is completely calorie-free. If you don’t like the taste, add lemon, slices of fresh fruit, or sip unsweetened green tea instead.
Drinking Water to Lose More Weight: The Bottom Line?
Drinking two cups of water before each meal is a simple way to reduce then number of calories you eat. Give it a try – it could make losing weight a whole lot easier.
Dr. Kristie
References:
Medical News Today. “Two Cups of Water Before Each Meal Enhanced Weight Loss in Clinical Trial”
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.