Edition:
July 4, 2008
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Nutrition Columnist
There are a million diets available today that promise instant weight loss and immediate success.
However, the American diet industry did not become a booming industry because these diets are working. If everyone lost the weight and kept it off, the diet industry would eventually become extinct. But it isn’t. It is not even heading in that direction. In fact, the American diet industry is bringing in billions of dollars a year.
But what if I told you that weight loss success can be achieved without breaking your budget? The key to weight loss success may not be found in expensive diet food or a “magic” pill at $10 a piece. Your secret to weight loss success may actually be found in the simplest ingredient of all – water.
Dehydration may be one of the most common causes of weight gain. Researchers have found that 80 percent of the time you feel hunger pains, you are actually thirsty, not hungry. However, when most people feel these “hunger pains,” they logically reach for food. When their thirst is not quenched, they will again feel “hunger pains” and will again reach for food.
In these hot summer months when you get dehydrated much quicker, you can put on 10 to 20 extra pounds simply from reaching for food instead of water.
In addition, when your body is in need of water, it will slow down your metabolism to compensate. Our bodies are 80 percent water. Therefore, water plays a major role in every activity that is going on inside of us. In times of thirst or dehydration, your body will slow down your metabolism in order to conserve the small amount of water it has available.
Staying hydrated can cause your metabolism to speed up while keeping you feeling hungry less often and satisfied much quicker. Yet, in these busy summer months, drinking enough water could seem like a job in itself.
Try these easy tips to staying hydrated and fighting off those excess pounds during these busy summer days:
• Start and end your day the same way. The longest period of time that your body usually goes without water is while you’re sleeping. Most people don’t get up every few hours to drink a glass of water, so your body is quickly drained of the water it needs.
• Drink a full glass of water just before going to sleep to give your body a large amount of water to store through the night. As soon as you get up, drink another full glass of water to help replenish your body’s water supply.
• Be a marathon drinker. Many people reach the end of the day, realize they haven’t had any water, and try to drink eight glasses in one sitting. If you have ever attempted this, you know that trying to “sprint” drink your water will cause your stomach to feel like it is going to explode and will leave you running for the bathroom in an hour.
Your stomach is only so big and can only hold so much water at a time. Take a slow and steady “marathon” pace with your water. Drink small amounts often. You will remain hydrated and will not be left with an awful stomachache.
• Don’t drink alone. Your body will best retain water when it is paired with a sugar or carbohydrate. This is the basis behind many sports drinks. These sports drinks include simple sugars so that the water is quickly and easily absorbed into your body.
I only recommend these sports drinks for professional athletes. But I do recommend that you couple most of your water intake with your meals and snacks. Fruits are the best aids in helping your body absorb water. So, when you are feeling dehydrated, grab a bottle of water and an apple to help replenish your stores.
• Don’t quench your thirst, avoid it. Feeling thirsty is the first sign of slight dehydration in the body. If you only drink water when you feel dehydrated, then you will constantly be fighting dehydration, instead of actually staying hydrated. By being a marathon drinker, and drinking regularly throughout your day, you will prevent thirst, or dehydration, before it starts.
• Add life to your liquids. Many people don’t drink water simply because it is boring. Good news, the amount of water you need in a day does not actually have to come from plain water. During these hot, summer months, you can stay hydrated by drinking water as well as coffee, tea, diet sodas and sugar free drinks. All of these drinks will help you stay hydrated all year around.
Dehydration could be the major roadblock you have been hitting during your weight loss efforts. Following these tips could be just the thing that lifts you up over that roadblock and helps you continue on your weight loss journey.
Don’t forget that drinking water during these hot, summer months is not only important for weight loss, but it is vital for your health. As you attempt to follow these tips, help your kids follow them as well. Teach them the importance of staying hydrated so that they will drink water regularly even without you nagging them.
So pack your cooler full of your favorite fruit and drinks and have a fun-filled summer without the weight to prove it. For questions, comments, or article ideas, email Caitlin at Caitlin@praxischurch.com.
Watermelon Slush
www.allrecipes.com
8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
¼ cup lime juice
¼ cup sugar
2 cups diet lemon-lime soda, chilled
In a blender or food processor, cover and process the watermelon, lime juice and sugar in batches until smooth. Pour into a freezer-proof container.
Cover and freeze for 30 minutes or until edges begin to freeze. Stir and return to freezer. Repeat every 20 minutes or until slushy, about 90 minutes. Spoon 3/4 cup into bowls or glasses; add 1/4 cup soda.
Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 75 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 12 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
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