No matter the season or temperature, it is always extremely important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. But, did you know that drinking water during meals can also help to promote healthy eating? Life Extension online featured interesting research that delved into this very topic. Two studies they cited reported that having water with your meals promoted a behavior of higher vegetable intake.
The first study tested the eating habits of 75 children between the ages of 3 to 5. One group was served water with their serving of raw vegetables while the other had a sweetened drink. The group drinking water consumed more vegetables.
The other study looked at 60 adults between the ages of 19 to 23 and examined the paring of drinks and food. The results showed that the subjects “preferred the combination of soda with salty, calorie-dense food instead of soda and vegetable.”
What the two studies demonstrate is that the type of drink you consume while eating may in fact encourage the types of food you are eating. So, my advice is to have water with meals as often as you can and it may promote a healthier lifestyle. In addition, water has very real positive effects on your body that are good for you. Our top five benefits of water are:
- Promotes weight loss and can make you feel full longer
- Helps to maintain healthy skin through proper hydration
- Assists the digestive tract in breaking down food
- Can help to stave off many headaches that are triggered by dehydration in the body
- Reduces muscle cramping and can promote healthy joints
Interested in listening to a podcast? Check out Maximum Wellness, Episode 46: Immune Update
