So why water? Aside from being a weight-loss aid, water keeps us alive. We can live for weeks without food (well, maybe you can!), but only days without water. And we lose up to 80 percent of body water each day through normal bodily functions—perspiration and urine elimination. We must replenish your body’s water to avoid dehydration. (And, I discovered, caffeine products, such as my diet colas, are mild diuretics and dehydrate me, so I must drink even more water if I consume a great deal of caffeine.)

Now for weight loss…water keeps us hydrated, which helps our metabolism work more efficiently. (A good metabolism is essential to weight loss!) Water also fills us up so we’re less hungry. I discovered that oftentimes when I think I’m hungry, I’m really just thirsty. If I have a glass of water my hunger pangs go away. Water also flushes us out. It eliminates extra salt and lessens fluid retention. Finally, water is essential for proper digestion and absorption of the food we eat.

I knew all of this, but I went for years without drinking the amount of water—again, 64 ounces—recommended by health care and weight-loss experts. Then I decided to test this recommendation. I severely cut down my diet colas to two 12-oz. cans a day, and added 8-10 glasses of water a day. I didn’t change anything else in my diet. Wow! The pounds just started to come off!

At least eight glasses of water is now part of my healthy life. I also chose fruits, such as watermelon, and vegetables, including broccoli and lettuce that are more than 90 percent water. These measures help me lose weight when the need arises and, at other times, maintain a healthy weight. I finally learned that the experts knew what they have been talking about for years. They’re right!

And remember to drink water (at least 64 ounces a day), especially when you exercise. Consuming cool fluids—water is best—at regular intervals during exercise is vital for health since it regulates body temperature. It’s too easy to become dehydrated if you don’t drink fluids while you are exercising, and dehydration can be dangerous. In extreme cases, it can lead to difficulty concentrating, dizziness and kidney failure. In addition to keeping your body functioning well, water is one of the best diet aids we’ve discovered. Water fills you up, which means you’re less hungry. If you’re less hungry, you’ll eat less. So drink water throughout the day, even if you’re not exercising.

Exercise, healthy diet and water are three good tools for losing weight! We know.