(For the previous tips, go here.)
Tip #5: Drink 8-11 glasses of water per day, at least!
Those who exercise more need more water. If you are thirsty, you are probably mildly dehaydrated already. Well-hydrated cells increase GH (growth hormone) production and help nutrients get to their designated places in the body. Lack of hydration causes fatigue and cloudy thinking. Research has shown that the brain interprets hunger and thirst similarly. Dehydration can cause cravings and overeating.
So long as you have no medical conditions that prohibit it, drinking ice cold water burns more calories and even targets abdominal fat stores. Ice cold water increases metabolism by 30% for about 90 minutes after drinking about 2 cups worth. Why? It releases the fight-or-flight hormone norepinephrine, which ups metabolism and has receptor sites in the abdominal region. So, drink plenty of water before and after exercise, and sip it during activity.
(Tomorrow: Tip #6 for Losing Those Last 10 Pounds)
Trainer Tip by Sandra Ferrerio, certified LiveRite weight loss coach, trainer, and class instructor at Lucille Roberts in Yonkers. Read her full bio here.