We have been told time and again that in order to lose weight we need to drink more water. In fact, this is a central theme that most weight loss plans have as a major suggestion. Water is an essential part of any diet but there is new evidence to show that we can extend this idea to include other liquids too.

Water is an essential part of the body although we do not think about what we need from it. According to the Mayo Clinic, water lubricates the entire body, stops us from being constipated, keeps our kidneys functioning well and helps us get minerals and other nutrients to our cells.

Since water is important to the entire body it is a good idea to have plenty of it available to help the body function properly and prepare the internal environment to accept good food and nutrition. Water helps when you are working on the fastest way to lose weight.

Taking into consideration that your body actually loses water during the day when you are active and when you go to the bathroom you have to at least replenish the amount you have lost. This is why it is so important to continue to drink water all day instead of only drinking when you are thirsty.

Although the general rule has always been to drink 8 glasses a day if you want to lose weight, the Institute of Medicine says we actually need more than this amount and that it is liquids of all types that is important instead of only water. Their recommendation is that men need to consume 3 liters a day (which translates to 13 cups) and women need to consume 2.2 liters (translates to 9 cups).

This means that if you want to lose weight you will have to get at least these requirements. The basic rule is to drink enough fluids so you are rarely thirsty. This may seem a lot of work but it is invaluable in the long run because it keeps your body functioning at a higher level than it does now, which will automatically make it lose weight.

Other places to find liquids

When you first look at the amount of water that is suggested you may be overwhelmed. However, you must remember that you get fluids from a variety of places. As an example, your regular meals will give you about 20% of your overall fluid intake. The other 80% will come from water, other beverages, fruits and vegetables, milk and some juices. You can also drink tea or drinks that are low in sugar (not diet drinks).

When you eat fruits, think about those that have a lot of juice like watermelons, tomatoes or grapes. Think about vegetables like celery, cruciferous greens and cucumbers. These will help you get more fluid in your diet.

It will also be important to consider the fact that if you live in certain climates that are hot or cold, if you are working out or if you are ill, pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to adjust your fluid intake accordingly.

What we have talked about here is staying comfortably hydrated. The way to continue this is to keep water or other fluids with you at all times so that you can sip a little all the time. The Mayo Clinic suggests drinking with your meals, between meals and hydrating before, during and after exercise.

Knowing your body's needs for fluid and making sure it gets it will increase your ability to lose the weight you want more quickly.