Two liters of water a day can help you lose a kilo of weight … and more

Ten actions for losing weight drinking only water
di Federico Ranaudo
» Versione italiana

Dieta di acqua To drink, drink, drink more water is the recommendation of all dieticians to people who suffer from obesity or who are overweight. Whether you know it or not, more than half of your body is composed of water, and water is an element that is essential for living a healthy life. As much as water is vital to nature, it is also essential to our bodies. Even though it may be possible to give up food for days and days, it is impossible to survive without water because it is necessary for the functioning of our organs, and plays a primary role in the absorption of lipids.

For this reason, water is the best ally of a weight loss diet because it hinders the accumulation of fat in excess and helps to control hunger. The recommendation of all dieticians in the world is to drink at least two liters of water a day. It is important not to substitute any other beverages for these two liters of water – they must be solely water.

A food study operated by the California Children's Hospital and by the Oakland Research Institute confirmed these findings and presented them in the annual convention of the Society of Obesity in Boston in October. The research was conducted by a team of food specialists coordinated by Doctor Jodi Stookey; the result said that, «the individuals on a diet that decided to drink water instead of traditional soft drinks like orange soda, fruit juice, and Coca Cola lost 4 kilos a year more than those who consumed other beverages that were sugary and high in calories. Consuming two glasses of water a day will translate on average, to a bodily loss of two kilos every year».

Doctor and dietician Stefania Buono gave me the chance to ask her questions and used the occasion to give advice to those who want to lose weight.

Many say that drinking a lot of water is good. Is that true?

«Drinking a lot of water is good for everyone; in fact it is necessary for the body. Therefore it is not only important for dieting, but also for our health, so water is the most important resource for the health of everyone. »

How much water is important in a diet?

«It is more essential than any other substance. The more you drink water the more you will succeed in losing weight. Water is always a key component in the best diets because it suppresses the need to eat during every hour of the day. There is no need to fast or take medicine in order to lose weight. Just drink two liters of water a day, and if it is joined with a healthy diet, you will achieve optimal results.»

What would you recommend to all of the people who which to lose weight?

«They don’t have to make big sacrifices. There are ten fundamental steps:

In the morning, drink a glass of water right when you wake up.
Always bring a bottle of water with you.
Have a good supply of water in the refrigerator.
Substitute coffee with tea or herbal tea.
Always take little sips especially during meals.
Before you sit at the table drink a full glass of water: you will eat half as much and be less hungry.
Every time that it is possible, choose soup and liquid foods instead of solid dishes.
Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
During exercise drink frequently to restore the lost liquids.
Sip room temperature water each time that your hunger rises.»

My recommendation, then, is to drink, drink, drink, a lot of water…

(translated by Sarah Flink and Stephanie Mariani)

» Versione italiana