You Are What You Drink
When we think of weight loss and dieting, we often think of food. Watching what we eat, how much we eat and how often we eat are all parts of a good diet plan. But another factor in weight loss can be related to watching what is in your glass, instead of just what is on your plate.
According to the USDA, people consuming 2,000 calories a day should eat no more than about 10 teaspoons of added sugar. USDA surveys show that the average American is consuming about 20 teaspoons of sugar per day.
Experts have cited medical evidence indicating that diets high in sugar can promote obesity, kidney stones, osteoporosis, heart disease, and dental cavities.
Many drinks can have large amounts of sugar, depending on the brand, but the most common source of sugar-laden beverages in the American diet today are soft drinks. Soft drinks contain about 9 teaspoons of sugar and about 140 calories per 12-ounce can. Soda is becoming increasingly targeted as a contributing factor in obesity in today’s youth, but many adults are affected by consumption of soda as well.
The bottom line is that consuming large amounts of sugar via soft drinks and other beverages can contribute to weight gain, as well as problems with your general physical and dental health. So what should you drink?
Water and Weight Loss
Water can actually help with weight loss. Drinking water (at least 8 cups a day) will help you with losing weight. Water is necessary for the metabolism of your stored fat. Weight loss cannot occur without an active metabolism and that requires large quantities of water.
Another way to use water to lose weight is to drink a large glass of ice water just before meals. The cold causes your stomach to shrink slightly, which can make you feel full faster.
Don’t think you could possibly drink 8 glasses of water each day? There are many ways to make water more appealing to your senses. If you don’t like the taste of tap water, try spending the money you would have spent on soda to purchase bottled water.
Water often tastes better cold. Try keeping a gallon of water in the fridge. For those on the go, freeze and inch of water in the bottom of your water bottles than add tap water to it for instant ice water. You can even try squeezing a bit of lemon juice into your water to give it a bit of flavor.
So, the next time you get that craving for a soft drink, get yourself a nice full glass of water instead. Not only will it be better for your health in general, but in combination with a sensible diet and exercise program, it can also help you lose weight.
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