Trying to Lose Weight? See How Hydrating Can Help You Hit Your Goals
Women’s bodies are comprised of about 60% water, with men typically having a bit more. Our fluid levels are constantly fluctuating due to regular bodily functions like breathing, sweating, and urine output. It’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.
How Hydration Affects Weight Loss
Contrary to how it might sometimes seem when trying to lose weight, drinking water can actually help you reduce water weight. When you’re dehydrated, your body holds onto more water to compensate and even slight dehydration can trigger cravings. You may think you’re hungry when you’re actually thirsty.
Essential in most body functions, hydration also can influence insulin sensitivity and how your body metabolizes fat. It also:
- Aids in digestion — Water acts as a lubricant moving food along the digestive tract and allows nutrients to be transported and absorbed efficiently.
- Controls appetite — Drinking water about 30 minutes before a meal, known as “preloading” can decrease appetite leading to less overeating. You can even add electrolytes using Crave Killer electrolyte mix, which has Chromax®, a clinically proven ingredient shown to reduce cravings.
- Supports cardiovascular function — Proper hydration supports cardiovascular function, enabling more effective and longer workouts. When you’re well hydrated your body can perform at its best, helping you burn more calories and build lean muscle more efficiently. For more tips on optimizing your workouts, read more on our blog.
Weight Loss Drugs & Hydration
Popular GLP-1 medications such as semaglutides help regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, slow down digestion and boost metabolism. They can also suppress feelings of hunger and thirst and cause the body to lose water through frequent urination. This can increase the risk of dehydration.
Dehydration can lead to headaches, constipation, and other side effects. Read more about weight loss drugs and the importance of hydration in our “Semaglutides and Hydration” article.
Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated
Each person's hydration needs will differ based on activity level, age, body size, health status, and environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and sun exposure. If you live in hotter or colder climates your body may need more fluids to keep your body temperature normal. Add in any physical activity and you’re looking at needing to drink more to compensate.
If you’re embarking on a low-carb diet plan or trying intermittent fasting, it’s important to keep your electrolytes balanced and replenished. Ultima has many keto-friendly stickpacks you can take with you to support your fast while you’re hydrating. The 6 vital electrolytes help support your body daily, empowering you to tackle your weight loss goals.
Hydration habits
- Start and end hydrated — Start your day with 2-3 glasses of water to kickstart your day after 6+ hours of sleep. Drink a glass of water an hour before bed to help prevent nighttime dehydration.
- Skip sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic beverages — Opt for naturally-derived sweeteners and swap out alcohol for sugar-free mocktails like Ultima’s Mocktini Variety pack to help increase fluid intake.
- Set reminders — Use your phone or an app to set hydration reminders.
- Carry a water bottle — Having a water bottle handy makes it easier to stay hydrated throughout the day. Treat yourself to one of those water-tracking bottles to help motivate you hourly.
By understanding and implementing these hydration basics, you can support your weight loss journey and overall health. Cheers to staying hydrated!
