There are many theories out there regarding the potential role water consumption might play in weight loss.
One of the most popular theories pertains to how consuming water with meals may make you feel fuller, thereby causing you to eat less food.
Less food consumption equals less calorie consumption equals less weight.
Pretty simple formula.
Now, assuming that consuming water with meals does indeed accomplish this, is there a way other than drinking water to do this?
What other way could there be? How else can you drink water besides…drinking water?
Well, researchers from Japan looked into another way. They looked at what differences, if any, might exist between consuming water at meals in a standalone fashion (drinking it) or consuming water within food as it pertains to waist circumference and BMI.
Before we continue, we should establish that “water within food” refers to foods having water content, such as fruits and vegetables. Some refer to fruit as “nature’s bottled water” and there is certainly truth to that.
The researchers, whose findings were published in the journal Nutrition in October 2008, used a validated, self-administered, comprehensive, diet-history questionnaire among 1136 female Japanese dietetic students between 18 and 22 years of age.
Although this is a narrow sampling of the population and broader population studies would be helpful in solidifying the results, this group was free to select any diet they chose so there was not necessarily uniformity in their diets. Although one might suspect there would be a skewing toward healthier diets given their status as dietetic students.
What they found, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, was that intake of water from standalone beverages with a meal was not, in this case, associated with BMI or waist circumference.
Intake of water from foods, or eating the water as it were, was associated with a decrease in BMI and waist circumference, however.
As the researchers concluded, “Intake of water from foods, but not water from beverages, was independently associated with lower BMI and waist circumference in free-living humans consuming self-selected diets.”
While we do not know all of the mechanisms behind why this might be, one potential factor is the idea that consuming high-water-content food may help people feel fuller, longer, than drinking water on its own.
In any case, this could be one more reason to incorporate more of “God’s water bottles”, also known as fresh fruits and vegetables, into your diet.
They’re delicious and come pre-wrapped in phytonutrient-laden “bottles” (fruit and vegetable skins) that are packed with nutrition.
Perhaps an apple or a nice salad with your next meal might be a great next step on your journey to your ideal weight.
Of course, as with all changes to your diet or health and wellness treatment plans, consult with your licensed health care practitioner before starting or changing any plans or routines. This information is just that, information only, so check with your licensed health care practitioner before making any changes or starting anything new and make sure your plans are safe and appropriate for you.
Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900708002013
The statements contained on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Unless otherwise specified, no writer for PursuitOfGreat.com is a licensed physician, medical doctor, trainer, nutritionist or health professional of any kind. Do not consume anything written about on this website if you are allergic to it.
The opinions expressed herein are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a physician or health care professional for your specific health care or medical needs.
Please talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise or diet program, including those found on this website. The information provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for consultations with your doctor nor is it intended to provide medical advice specific to your condition. (click to read our full disclaimer)