Water is one of those essential nutrients that we know we need but almost never get enough of. Water lubricates our joints, keeps our skin soft, gives us energy, helps us regulate internal temperature, etc. The list can keep going on and on but few people recognize how instrumental it is to weight loss and weight management.

One of the most important things water does is keep your liver functioning in tip top shape. This may seem small but your liver along with the kidneys are the organs that get rid of the waste and fat in the body. If you are not getting enough water (half of your body weight or more in oz per day) it cannot get rid of the waste and fat as efficiently as it could be.

Another way that water aids us in weight loss and management is with our hunger and thirst mechanisms. Thirty-seven percent of Americans have a thirst mechanism so weak that we think we are hungry when our body just craves water. This can cause us to overeat on a daily basis contributing to weight gain. What I generally do is if I feel hungry I drink a cup or two of water and wait 10-15 min. If I feel hungry after that I eat but a lot of times my stomach ache and headache go away.

Quick ways to drink more water:

1. Drink water with at least half of your meals instead of juices and sodas. Not only is this healthier for you but it can potentially save you thousands of calories over the course of the year

2. Keep a bottle of water in your car and office

3. Eat more fruits and veggies. The high water content in them will help add your hydration