Drinking More Water for My Weight Loss- Why It Matters

Drinking More Water for Weight Loss: A Simple Habit That Matters

Water is one of those things that’s always around—we turn on the tap and there it is. It’s free, it’s simple, and it doesn’t get much attention.
Well… unless you’ve got a well. Or you're the type to walk outside with your mouth open during the rain. LOL.

But as I take this weight loss journey seriously, I’ve had to admit something that surprised me: drinking more water might be the single habit I’ve ignored the most—and it’s one that can actually make a difference.

How Drinking More Water Supports Weight Loss

Before I start diving into food choices and calorie goals, I have to start with the basics. And for me, that’s water.

I’ve read it a hundred times: water helps with weight loss. But I’ve always brushed it off. It sounded too simple. But here’s the truth, I haven’t been drinking enough water for years.

Most mornings start with coffee. Sometimes tea. But plain water? I pour a glass and somehow nurse it all day like it's a rare treat. By the time bedtime rolls around, I’m staring at the same half-full glass from lunch. That’s maybe 16 ounces for the whole day.

So yes.
Dear kidneys, I apologize. Deeply.

🟦 Why Drinking More Water Is Important for Weight Loss and Good Health

💧 Drinking more water helps your body function properly—period.
It supports digestion, boosts your metabolism, curbs unnecessary snacking, improves energy and brain focus, and reduces water retention. Hydration helps with exercise performance, appetite regulation, and even mood.

It’s one of the easiest and most powerful habits to support your weight loss goals.

My Struggles With Drinking Enough Water

I’m not here pretending I’ve figured it out. I haven’t.

Drinking more water sounds easy but making it a habit has been hard. I get focused on work, and I’ll sit for hours without moving, let alone sipping water. Then the fatigue hits, the cravings show up, and I wonder why I feel sluggish and snacky.

I don’t need a gallon a day right now. I just need consistency.

What Happens When You Don’t Drink Enough Water

Not drinking enough water has definitely had an impact on my body and mind.
I’m not going to get all scientific on y’all, but these are just some of the things I’ve noticed in myself. It’s not dramatic—it’s just real-life stuff that sneaks up on you when you’re not paying attention:

• I feel bloated but dehydrated at the same time

• I snack more, especially when I’m not truly hungry

• My energy crashes mid-day

• My skin gets dry, and I get light-headed quicker

Not drinking enough water makes everything feel harder, including weight loss. And it’s completely avoidable.

How Much Water Do You Really Need?

You might be wondering how much water you’re actually supposed to drink. According to nutrition experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the general recommendation is about 3.7 liters (13 cups) for men and 2.7 liters (9 cups) for women daily — that includes all fluids from food and drinks. But here’s the thing: hydration isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Your body weight makes a big difference. A good rule of thumb is to aim for half an ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, that could mean anywhere from 75 to 150 ounces daily, depending on your activity level and where you live.

That’s why I’m trying to find my own balance and listen to what my body really needs — instead of just following generic advice. If you want to read more about how much water you should drink, check out this helpful guide from EatRight.org.

Drinking More Water Is One Small Change I Can Make Today

As I write this, it’s around 6:30 in the evening. I’m sipping on a decaf Earl Grey and—no surprise—I’ve had one glass of water all day.

But that’s why I’m sharing this. Not because I’m perfect, but because I’m committed to changing. Drinking more water is something I can control, and I truly believe it’s going to make a difference in how I feel and how this weight loss journey goes.

I’ll Keep You Posted

Right now it’s about 6:30 in the evening. I’m sipping on a decaf Earl Grey, and yep , I’ve only had one glass of water today. That’s going to change. Because this is one area I can actually take control of, and I believe it will make a big difference in how I feel and how I move forward.

I’ll check in next week to share how it’s going — wins, slip-ups, all of it.

If you missed my first post where I started this whole weight loss journey, you can read it right here. It’s honest, simple, and where I decided that small, doable steps are the way I’m going to do this.

For now, I’m taking this step. Small, but important. One glass at a time.