Drinking lots of water

We all know that water is vital for your general health, but what isn't as well known is that drinking lots of water is great for weight loss.


Firstly, when you feel hungry, rather than reaching for an unhealthy snack, drink a big glass of water.  This fills the stomach and gives you a feeling of fullness, reducing your urge to snack and so keeping your daily calorie consumption down.


Unknown to many, drinking water boosts your metabolism.  In a study the consumption of 500ml of water (about a pint, or your average water bottle) causes you to burn an extra 25 calories in the following hour.  This is thought to be down to the fact that water consumed is colder than body temperature, and this water must be heated in the stomach, burning calories.  25 calories may seem small, but do this 3 times a day every day and that is approximately 7lbs more fat burnt in a year!


During weight loss, the breakdown of body fat produces waste products, these products must be excreted through the kidneys.  To keep your kidneys working properly, it is important to drink lots of water.


It is important not to drink too much water as this can be harmful, but 8 glasses a day is a good general rule.