Can Drinking More Water Help Your Weight Loss Journey?

We all know that magic equation… the one that exists to get you back in to your skinny leg jeans. More calories burned (exercise), than calories consumed (diet), equals weight loss. But did you know that without adequate water, your weight loss goals could be compromised? Even with exercise and a good diet? So there goes that awesome high you’re after in seeing that number on the scales finally start to drop (insert 'sad, angry, deflated, can’t wear my new bikini’ face).

We spoke to Shahna Sharpi, Nutritionist and owner of Project Nourish who says “Water is vital for many different functions within the body, including those involved in weight loss. Playing a role in digestion, natural detoxification and metabolism, without water, both our health and weight loss goals will suffer”. So if you are wanting your body to work as effectively and efficiently as it can, including burning fat, eliminating waste and boosting your metabolism, then staying hydrated by drinking more water really is a no brainer!

To ensure you burn calories and in turn loose weight, you need to make sure you give it your all when exercising and it’s not just a fun playlist that’s going to really get you moving - it’s water! Lower energy levels due to dehydration, can mean that your workouts may be wasted with respect to calories burned. This is where many of us can’t understand why we are plateauing when it comes to weight loss when we consistently exercise… Fuel your body with water, feel energised and make each workout count!

Shahna also shares that “Water can also help prevent overeating. Often when we think we are hungry between meals, we are simply just thirsty! So staying hydrated and drinking water will prevent us from eating more than we need”. As well as being an appetite suppressant, water can also be used in the same way to manage cravings, an area of undoing for many of us when we start dieting or a lifestyle overhaul.

Shahna believes water should be our main drink of choice, meaning that it replaces sugary drinks that are not only detrimental to our health, but also our waistline. “One of the easiest changes you can make to support your weight loss is to stay hydrated and drink enough water”.

If this calorie free, liquid magic not only supports weight loss, but our overall health, how can it be so hard to meet the (rough) guidelines for an ‘average’ adult in consuming at least 2 litres of water a day? Like everything, if you break it down in to smaller parts, the task doesn’t seem as daunting. 8 glasses of water a day. Come on - you know you can manage that on a lunch with girlfriends if we’re talking Aperol Spritz!

So here are our top tips to help you get to 8 glasses a day and in turn support your weight loss journey:

Carry a water bottle with you (there are heaps of cute ones on the market too)
If it’s right there in front of you it will serve as a constant reminder to drink up. Yes, it is as easy as that!

Drink instead of snacking
Drink a glass of water before (or in place of) snacking. Not only will this fill you up, it will become habitual over time.

Flavor it!
Zero calories but zero fun… your water doesn’t always have to be boring! A squeeze of lemon, a sprig of mint, some raspberries (link to my other article)

Herbal Tea counts!
It can be a lot harder in the colder months so it’s good to know that herbal teas (think peppermint, ginger, chamomile…) all count towards your daily water intake.

Drinking more water is a measurable and achievable daily goal that will get you closer to where you want to be - seeing that number on the scales drop!