How much water should you be drinking?

Do you know how much water you should be drinking every day? Do you go by the old adage that 8 glasses is enough? I have been doing some research on this topic and I found several good articles explaining why water is so important to weight loss and how much water you actually need to be drinking everyday!

This article explains why the body needs water to lose weight and why you will have a harder time losing if you are dehydrated. The article basically says that water is important for the following reasons:

1. A healthy diet to lose weight includes a lot of fiber... if you aren't drinking enough water AND eating increased fiber, it will back up the plumbing, if you know what I mean. Nobody wants to walk around with that constipated feeling, so drink your water!
2. Water helps muscles contract and lubricates joints... If you hydrate properly, you will be walking around a little more normal the day after you work out... not as much soreness is a good thing!
3. Dehydration can make you tired! Who has two thumbs and doesn't feel like working out when they are tired? This girl right here!

I can give you all the reasons in the world as to why you should be drinking water, but that won't help you at all if you don't know HOW much water to drink!

I found this article by the Mayo clinic that does an excellent job of explaining how much water is recommended to drink for guys and gals.

I also found a water drinking calculator to help you determine the right amount of water for you!

By the way, did you know that drinking a glass of water right before you eat a meal can help fill you up so you don't over eat? Good to know!

Hope this helps! Have a great day!

-M

Please note that none of this article has been approved or even looked at by a medical doctor, nor is it intended to take the place of you talking to your doctor. If you have additional questions on how much water to drink, I encourage you to talk to you health care professional or a licensed dietitian.