So you might think that you could easily drop 70% of your weight just by dehydrating yourself, right?
Wrong! Water is critical for all body functions - from moving vitamins around your system to helping your brain think more quickly. It is critical that you have as much water as you can in you (at a healthy level, of course) so that your body can do what it needs to do - including losing the fat.
This water isn't just all sloshing around loose inside you! It is an integral part of most of your systems. For example, your muscles are about 75% water. This water helps your muscles to expand and contract properly, to grow stronger and to absorb shock. You never want to lose muscle. Muscle actively burns calories and carbs just by "being", every second of every day. Muscle loss is what causes older people to have lower metabolisms and gain weight more easily.
How about your fat? That's about 50% water. When you have ample water in your body, it helps those fat cells break apart more easily and flush out of your system. So while it's very important to have water in your fat areas, it's main purpose is to help that fat go away :)
Bones also need water. Bones are about 50% water, which helps them stay strong and supple. You definitely want your bones to stay intact!
Water is critical for your skin to look healthy and supple. I'm sure we've all used enough lotions over the years - hand creams, body lotion, face cream - to understand that maintaining moisture levels in your skin is critical. Yes, the moisture helps you look young and healthy. It also makes you physically healthy too. Your skin is your first line of defense in keeping out infections. The healthier your skin is, the healthier you are.
If you're looking to lose weight - or to maintain a healthy weight - never skimp on the water. The more water you drink, up to eight glasses a day, the more you can help to flush that fat out of your body and become toned and healthy.
Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books
