The Water Diet

Our bodies are made out of water. In fact, more than half of our body weight comes from water, and losing a mere 2% of our water content makes us thirsty. Given that we are made out of water and our world is mostly water, what could be more natural than to craft a diet plan around water?



A water diet can be incredibly easy, or as complicated as you wish. And contrary to what some may say, pricey "designer" water in pretty bottles is not a requirement. The water from your tap could be all you need!

The concept behind the water diet is simple: just drink water before, during, and after your meals. Bam, that's it. Cut out the sodas and juices and add in A LOT of water. Proponents claim that you can lose 10 pounds a week. Pretty sweet!

As in most things, too much of any good thing can become a bad thing. Drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia. This condition causes your blood sodium level to be dangerously low. It can lead to  headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even seizures. Not a good thing. So remember that moderation in all things prevails.

So, here's your daily schedule. Before breakfast, drink a 12 ounce glass of water. Ideally, add lots of ice to jump-start your metabolism. During your low fat and low calorie breakfast, drink another glass of water. Following your meal (yes, you guessed it) drink another glass of water.

Follow this pattern for lunch and dinner. Drink a glass of water before, during and after each meal. Whenever possible, add lots of ice to your water to keep your metabolism raised. After a day or so, you will find plain water pretty repulsive, so plan to add a few drops of lemon or lime juice as a treat. Avoid other beverages to the degree possible, and plan your meals to provide 1,200 calories (1,500 calories for men) every day.

Most people find that the added water intake makes them feel comfortably full, avoiding the dreaded hunger pangs that are the death of many diets. After a week of following the water diet, you should be down about 10 pounds. One of the great things about this diet is that you can dial it back a bit and maintain your weight for a long time. You can eat out yet stay with the diet, visit friends, whatever!

Have you tried the water diet? Let us know your experience!