At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, our patients know the importance of staying hydrated for weight loss and overall health. But drinking plenty of water isn’t a habit that comes naturally to everyone. That’s why we asked Tracy Stefanides, manager of our Shelby Township Clinic, to share some ways we can be sure to get enough water into each day.
When the weather heats up, we need more water.
When she’s not at work, Tracy is an avid runner. She admits she thought she was drinking enough water for her own health. When she is looked further into it, even Tracy wasn’t drinking quite enough to stay hydrated.
“Once I changed to drinking at least 64 ounces a day, I noticed my endurance went up and I felt better on my runs,” she says. “I am now training for one of the biggest races of my life - 50 miles! During my training I have made sure I drink water before, during and after my runs. I wear a hydration vest that carries 2 liters of water and I drink every bit of it. I am feeling great while training - and running more miles than I ever have in my running career.”
Aiming for adequate hydration is important for everyone - and an especially good reminder during these hot summer months. The more we sweat, the more water we need to drink to replace those lost fluids.
Wondering how to know if you’ve had enough water? Tracy mentioned two tell-tale signs. When we drink enough water, we don’t feel extremely thirsty, she says. And, it’s possible to gauge hydration based on the color of our urine.
“Being dehydrated you will notice your urine is darker yellow,” she says. “When your body has enough water, your urine will be a light pale yellow. I base enough water for everyday on 64 ounces. If I am working out, I will drink more as my body needs it.”
Drinking enough water each day supports our kidney and liver function. It flushes toxins out of the body and gives our skin its plumpness and elasticity, Tracy says.
Without enough water, we feel tired, our joints and muscles ache and we’re more prone to experience headaches. Tracy says its common to feel hungry when our bodies are really just thirsty. “Drinking water also helps burn more calories,” she says. “It helps with constipation to keep things moving.”
Hydration also helps signal to our bodies that it’s safe to burn fat for energy. So, if weight loss is a goal, water is a key ingredient.
At Medical Weight Loss Clinic, our staff members often help patients find ways to drink enough water throughout the day. Tracy suggests investing in a cute water bottle you can carry with you to work, take on shopping trips or errands. It’s also helpful to add a slice of lemon or lime to give it some flavor – and nutrients. Tracy adds electrolytes to her water once per day to make sure she’s getting enough minerals – without any sugar.
“A good way to start incorporating more water is switching out one soda or coffee you have in the afternoon for water,” Tracy suggests. “Make it a challenge to get in 64 ounces. Figure out how many times you need to fill your water bottle and keep track. Before you know it, you will have changed your old habits into a new habit and feel so much better for it.”
She should know. She’s increased her own water intake successfully.
“I do believe because I made this change of getting in my water, I am able to perform better,” Tracy adds. “Water is just so important!”
Reach out to Medical Weight Loss Clinic to learn more and let us help you reach your summer health goals. Book your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
