IS WATER DRINKING GOOD FOR
WEIGHT LOSS?
• The human body is about 60% water and hence water is an important part of the
body and hence it is important to always hydrate the body through drinking of
water. An average of about 6-8 glasses of water is recommended. The highly
active person may need more than 6-8 glasses water.
• In weight loss, water drinking is very useful and necessary. If you drink
less water than recommended, the body tends to hold on to water and this may
reflect on the scale as weight gain (not fat gain though)
• Contrary to the misconception that most people have about water being
fattening, water has zero calories and hence cannot give calories and hence
cannot make you gain fat weight. It is better for you to drink enough water.
The body will naturally excrete the excess water.
• Drinking enough water helps in weight management as it helps the body get rid
of excess water. It also provides the right medium for enzymatic action on the
food you eat, thus helping with the body’s metabolic process.
PACKING UP ON FIBER FOR GOOD HEALTH
Fiber is a structural component of plant foods which cannot be digested by the
humans. Since it is indigestible, it virtually adds no calories when eaten.
Because of its bulkiness, it makes you feel full when eaten while adding no
calories. Thus fiber rich foods are very much recommended in weight loss
programs. Fiber is present in plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes,
nuts, seeds and whole grains. There are two types of fiber, insoluble and
soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps in proper bowel function by preventing
constipation. It is also useful in preventing or managing haemorrhoids and
diverticulosis. It is present in whole grains, whole grain products like
cereals and breads, vegetables like cabbage. Soluble fiber is soluble in liquid
and forms a gel when mixed with liquid. It binds to cholesterol when eaten and
prevents it from being absorbed within the body and hence can result in the
reduction of blood cholesterol, which is a desirable condition for heart
health. It also helps in controlling blood sugar surge by slowing the digestion
and absorption of sugars into the blood. It is thus useful for diabetics and
for people on a weight loss program and generally useful component of a healthy
diet. Soluble fiber is present in certain fruits like apples, strawberries and
citrus (oranges, lemon etc), oats, barley, seaweeds, beans, peas and other
legumes.
