How to Save Money and Lose Weight Drinking 8-10 Glasses of Water a Day
We all know that it’s recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day for optimal health, but how many of us are actually consuming what we should be?
If you’re like the typical person, you probably start your day off with a cup of coffee or tea. If this is the case, while you might be getting some doses of antioxidants, if either of those choices contain caffeine you’ve set yourself back a bit on your water needs. While caffeine can help you get the quick boost you feel you need in the morning, it’s also a diuretic.
A diuretic increases water loss from the body.
Thus, you’re losing the much needed fluids that help keep your body running at its optimal levels. Ironically, we might think that coffee is helping us out, but in the long run it is actually making it more difficult for us to function properly in the long run, when we must suffer the crash later due to the fluid loss and caffeine low.
Skip coffee and reach for water in the mornings.
Instead, reach for two or three large cups of water to start your mornings. It may be difficult to get used to at first, but with time you will start to feel the amazing energy difference. You will also notice that you don’t need to run to the bathroom as much and that you will feel less hungry throughout your day. In fact, studies show that more often when you crave something sweet you’re actually dehydrated and reaching for a glass of water will make the craving naturally fade away.
The body is made up of approximately 60% water.
Without this vital fluid, all aspects of your life will suffer. Just imagine if you do not have enough oil in your car. Over time it will cause problems in other parts of your engine and overall driving functionality. The same is true when your body is not receiving the proper levels of water. Your brain, blood and vital organs thrive when water runs through it regularly. Water cleanses the mind and body and keeps you feeling alert and energized.
So how do you remain disciplined and drink the recommended 8-10 glasses a day?
Some great ideas follow below:
- Be economical. Rather than spend unnecessary dollars on double espressos and soft drinks, save your money and purchase a gallon of water for $1. Keep it at your desk and be sure to finish it by day’s end. Not only will you feel 100% better, you will begin to lose weight, spend less on snack food throughout the day, and feel the difference on your pocket as well.
- Recycle. Keep your empty water bottles and bring them with you when you take a trip to the local supermarket. Most major markets have refill water machines conveniently outside saving you money and satiating your thirst.
- Home water filtration systems. This is another great option to saving money and quenching your thirst at the same time. Refill your water bottles and fill up your tummies with natural, essential water. The more you drink the less you’ll find yourself craving snacks and high calorie drinks throughout the day saving money and your waist line simultaneously!
- Make it a habit. You remember to brush your teeth and comb your hair everyday. Think of drinking water like another necessary health habit you must integrate into every day of your life. It is not something you can skip here and there. You must view it as a vital part of your well-being. You need to constantly replenish and rejuvenate your body with fresh water all throughout the day. As mentioned above, your car cannot drive properly without gas and clean oil, your body works in the same manner. Most people treat their cars better than their bodies, don’t be like most people. You deserve better. You deserve the greatest levels of health possible now and always.
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Unofre Pili | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for this very insightful article Lianne.
Allena Impire | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I agree. Water rocks!
jedopi | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Great article and very informative. I really like your writing style.
swatilohani | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
awesome
Juhls | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Excellent piece with simple, do-able recommendations. I love water, but probably don’t get to 8 glasses daily… definitley need to booast my H2O consumption a bit.
Westbrook | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I believe most people know the importance of drinking a sufficient amount of water, however, people do not live their lives based entirely on advice. For example, most coffee lovers do not care that coffee is a diuretic. The advice to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day is also questionable. I know that is what is thrown at us, but even the medical experts are at odds with this premise. There is an argument that your body lets you know when you need to drink water and that everything we consume that has water in it will contribute to the suggested 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
Westbrook | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
However, your advice to drink more water to those who are over weight or crave sweet stuff all the time is good. Drinking water can curb some of the desires that cause over weight.
Sheila M | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I know how important drinking water is. I do drink it but more than likely it’s still not enough!
Daisy Peasblossom | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I may be a kind of exception. Water drinking is good…no arguing that. But if it is the first thing I ingest in the am, it will come back. So I begin the day with tea. Fruit teas are nice in that they don’t contain the tannins and caffeine that are in traditional tea.
Christine Ramsay | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
A great article full of good advice. I usually drink 2 litres which seems to be the recommendation in Britain.
Christine
goodselfme | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Well composed information. TX
STEVE666 | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Great articule, Liane. If only water was a little more exciting though
Lostash | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I agree with the above. Despite the health benefits of increasing our water intake….it’s just so boring and doesn’t ’satisfy’ in the same way that a nice cup of tea will!! Also, if I drank 10 glasses a day….I probably wouldn’t get much work done as I would be nipping to the loo every 10 minutes!!
Liane Schmidt | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Just a note: once your system gets used to drinking more water, your body will adjust and you will actually find yourself going to the restroom less than if you were drinking coffee/tea containing caffeine, because of the diuretic affect.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
joey manfredo | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
well organized info, love that H2O
livemike | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
You are right…I dont drink enough water and have always had a weight problem…I also have gout and lots of people say thats its a rich mans disease..I believe its more related to dehydration..Also people who suffer with stomach problems find great relief with drinking large amounts of water..
Inna Tysoe | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for that.
Inna
Rebecca Anne Grant | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Drinking that much water will also help you shed those extra pounds. Great Article! I loved it and the pics.
Poetic Enigma | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Great article, very terrific and important topic.
I used to rarely drink water but now I drink at least 8 glasses a day (:
Thanks for sharing!
StumbleUponWriter | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
I’ve long fore-go my coffee cups, starting to become more green tea friendly now..*smiles*
The water filtration system rocks, I love that..
Good tips and I’m sure this will add to a more healthy lifestyle too. Thanks for sharing..
Ruby Hawk | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
We do need our water, especially in this hot weather.
CHAN LEE PENG | Jun 24, 2009 | Reply
Water is essential for the survival of living things on earth. This article explained very clearly on how to drink water to lose weight. Liked it.
Anne Lyken Garner | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
A very helpful article.
NA Staffieri | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
Liane, another great way to drink healthy and save money is to order water when you go out to eat at restaurants instead of soda, ice teas or alcohol. It’s much healthier and less expensive (Most times free!)
Keep up the great work. Thanks, Liane.
Francy | Jun 26, 2009 | Reply
very informative article. I like it.
Keep sharing. :}
xsallyboox | Jun 27, 2009 | Reply
I totally agree with everyone’s comments on the subject however you want to look at it water is always going to be a better choice for your body then other drinks, but if you have the occasional soda or tea its not that bad, but most of my friends and room mates would drink soda than water which isn’t very good. I think we usually drink milk the most in this household.
Mr Ghaz | Jun 28, 2009 | Reply
Amazing and wonderful tips!!..this is really great remedies for health..TQ..so naturally and easy to follow..I really appreciate your wonderful and creative work..well done!!..that was great..thanx for sharing this magnificent work.
MMV Abad | Jun 28, 2009 | Reply
Interesting facts. Losing weight through water is something new to me. Thank you for sharing.
Momma Tells | Jul 1, 2009 | Reply
This sounds like great advice. I know I could use more water.
Tony Dada | Oct 15, 2009 | Reply
drinking 8-9 glasses per day is ideal, but should it be taken at once or bit by bit? Pls kindly give your reasons for your choice. scientific reasons. thanks.
Liane Schmidt | Oct 16, 2009 | Reply
Dear Tony,
I’ve heard that it’s a good idea to drink at least 1-2 glasses before each meal because it fills you up and you end up eating less. Personally, I feel you can drink water anytime throughout the day as long as you’re drinking enough of it. Typically, I find that when I drink water I drink 2-3 glasses at a time. But, when I’m busier I tend to sip it throughout the day. I think that whatever works best for your lifestyle is the best way to go.
I’ve also heard mixed things about drinking room temperature water versus cold water. I’ve heard that drinking cold water can help you burn more calories because it takes energy for the body to “heat” the water to body temperature.
Hopefully this is helpful to you!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
lhb | Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
Actually, the only drink that results in a net loss is alcohol acording to the American College of Nutrition, the Mayo Clinic, and just about every other scientific source known to man. And by over hydrating on a regular basis you teach your muscles NOT to hold onto water (this is why most diets have you drink so much water… your body will “learn” not to store water and you will “loose weight”). What most scientific sources that aren’t trying to sell you something say is to drink when you are thirsty.