Many people are often unaware of how many calories some drinks contain. For example, a glass of cola already contains 90 calories. These calories correspond to a snack such as a bowl of low-fat yogurt, a kiwi and some strawberries. A glass of soft drink can therefore contain the same number of calories as a snack. If both were consumed, this would mean that the body would unnecessarily receive double the number of calories. Yet many people continue to drink these high-calorie drinks. During a diet it is a shame to consume these unnecessary calories. But if you are no longer allowed to drink soft drinks, what can you still drink to ensure that you do not become dehydrated?
How much fluid should you consume in a day?
For the average person, 1.5 liters of water per day is sufficient. This does not have to consist only of water, all other types of moisture also count. Through urination, breathing and sweating, the body uses about 2.5 liters per day. This needs to be supplemented. One liter of fluid is already extracted from the food consumed. The rest must therefore be supplemented by drinking. The amount of fluid you need per day varies per person. This depends on various factors such as exercise. If you exercise a lot, it is important to drink more water. During exercise you lose a lot of fluid through sweating and this must be replenished.
How do you know if you are getting enough fluid?
The color of the urine can be used to check whether enough water is being drunk. If the urine is dark in color, too little fluid is being drunk. Thirst must be prevented. If the signal of thirst is received, this means that the body is already 1.5 liters short of fluid. The body is already starting to dehydrate at this time. This is noticed by signs such as headache, fatigue, dizziness and a dry mouth. Water in the body ensures that blood volume remains normal. If you consume too little fluid, your heart will beat faster because the blood volume decreases and so does the blood pressure. Because the body is working hard to achieve this, headaches can arise and your body becomes exhausted.
To drink water
Water contains no calories, so it is optimal during a diet and can therefore be drunk indefinitely. It is sometimes difficult to drink a lot of water out of the blue. Therefore, always make sure you have a bottle of water with you. If you start to get a little tired of the water, you can also add some lemon slices. This just gives it a different taste.
Benefits of drinking water
There are many benefits to drinking water. Your metabolism is up to 3 percent faster. This means that you burn more fat. You also get more energy. Drinking water also reduces the feeling of hunger. The brain cannot distinguish between hunger and thirst. If you are thirsty, you can receive the signal that you are hungry and therefore start eating. Instead of eating something, you can also choose to drink a glass of water. This often counteracts the feeling of hunger. If this is not the case, you can always choose to eat something. Water also helps to better absorb food into the body and removes waste products from the body. And of course, drinking water ensures that you avoid unnecessary calories from soft drinks or other sugary drinks.
Lose weight easier
Drinking water before a meal will help you feel full sooner. Drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before each large meal. This means you feel full much sooner and therefore eat less. Try to make this a habit and lose even more kilos in addition to losing weight.
What else can you drink instead of water?
Tea
This can be drunk at any time during the diet. Then without sugar. Choose to drink green tea, which is a bit sweeter in itself and so you don’t miss the sugar. In addition, green tea boosts metabolism, controls your blood sugar levels and helps with weight loss.
Coffee
This can also be drunk. You must also leave the sugar and (coffee) milk alone. Please note that coffee removes moisture from the body, which dehydrates you more. Make sure you drink a glass of water after every cup of coffee.
Icetea
Provided you make it yourself, you can also drink iced tea. Make a pot of tea and let it cool. Add a few drops of lemon juice and place in the refrigerator for a few hours. This way you have delicious iced tea without the unnecessary added sugars.
