What is one of the best kept secrets for weight loss? Here are a few hints:

Not sure?

One more hint…….

Yes, it is one of the basic elements, water. Your next step towards a healthier (and leaner) you is:

Dr. Everett advises all of her patients to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Some common responses are: “I don’t like the way it tastes”, “When I increase my water intake, I have to go to the bathroom more often” and “What about coffee/teas/juice/soda?”.

Let’s face it, if you are drinking water directly from the faucet, it is not going to taste good. Lukewarm, unfiltered water is not appetizing. Invest in a pitcher that has a built in filter, fill it daily and keep it in the refrigerator.

You will have to go to the bathroom more often when you drink more water, but the color of your urine will let you know that you are doing something good for your body. Very pale yellow to almost clear urine means that you are adequately hydrated. Darker yellow? Drink up!

Hot and cold beverages do have water in them, but it is still best to drink plain water. For variety, try adding fresh fruit or herbs to filtered or club soda.