WE all know drinking plenty of water is a simple way to boost your physical health. But could it be a secret weapon in fighting fat, too?
As someone who’s worked hard to lose 5st over the past two years – after tipping the scales at 14st 10lbs – I’ve seen first-hand the benefits of and snacks while more.
Thanks to and , I’ve gone from a size 16-18 to a 10-12, that had crept on since having my kids, now 20 and 17.
But in recent months, my progress has plateaued, and, post-, my edged back up to 10st 1lb – a few pounds over the for my petite 5ft 1in frame.
The one thing I haven’t changed? My daily habit of, a couple of teas, and four cold cans of Pepsi Max.
I’m not much of an drinker, apart from the occasional cocktail, and I’ll admit I drink very little water because, let’s face it, it’s not the most exciting option.
That’s why I was intrigued when I came across research from scientists suggesting that fizzy water might be the missing piece of the puzzle.
According to studies at Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital, the carbon dioxide in sparkling water could speed up the absorption of glucose into red blood cells, .
It works by minimising spikes and dips in blood sugar levels, allowing the body to burn fat more effectively for energy between meals.
Dieters have long claimed that sparkling water is more filling than still and .
But could swapping my go-to drinks for fizzy water really help kick-start my weight loss again? I know the is limited, and the study’s author emphasised that sparkling water isn’t a magic solution on its own.
Still, with nothing to lose, I decided to give it a go – cutting out all other drinks and sticking solely to sparkling water for two weeks, alongside my usual .
The question is: can I stick to it – and will it actually work?
DAY ONE
I’m a creature of habit and like to start my day at 6.30am with a black coffee in the garden, while I come round and write my to-do list.
I quickly realise that a glass of water – even the fancy, fizzy variety – doesn’t quite bring the comfort and pep of that hot caffeine hit.
Luckily, I like the taste of it and the novelty gets me through the first day, especially as it feels like more of a treat than if I was restricted to plain old tap water.
I also feel pretty virtuous.
What I don’t enjoy is the headache that creeps in as .
I’d tried to cut down a bit in preparation, but it wasn’t enough and my body isn’t happy.
My is also sorely missed as I watch telly with a glass of the fizzy stuff instead.
DAY THREE
After a couple of days, I’ve noticed the caffeine withdrawal headaches and feelings of sluggishness subside. Now, the only craving is a psychological one.
My days are built around my hot drinks, particularly when it comes to work.
As a self-employed psychotherapist and author, I work from home and making those cuppas breaks up the day.
It also gives me a way to connect with other humans and I make sure I schedule regular coffee dates with friends.
I find the smell of it too tempting to order only water, so suggest to mates that we do walks for the duration of my test – another healthy choice.
There’s also another side effect. Because I’m now glugging of carbonated water per day, I’m going to the toilet a lot more, too. Which has to be a good thing, right?
DAY SEVEN
If you fill your body with a gassy liquid, inevitably there’s going to be excess air – as I’m finding out.
While I usually have glasses of , drinking nothing but sparkling water means I’m finding myself burping a fair bit more.
My tummy feels a bit bloated and fuller too, which I suppose is no bad thing if it stops me overeating.
But it’s getting boring having the same drink over and over.
I’ve noticed an unexpected knock-on effect on my snacking habits
I enviously watch my daughter sip a hot chocolate and fantasise about cupping my hands around a steaming mug of something tasty.
Still, it could be worse – I could be restricted to plain old tap water.
At least this has something interesting to it and, if you weren’t being as strict, you could jazz it up with slices of citrus fruit, cucumber or mint.
I go to a friend’s house for dinner and she’s kindly bought some fizzy water in cans, which feels rather fancy.
DAY TEN
The finishing line is in sight, which is spurring me on through the boredom of this test.
There’s also another motivator – is looking the best it has in years.
It’s much plumper, feels less dry and my fine lines seem a lot less visible.
People have even commented on how well I’m looking. Who needs a fancy moisturiser when a bottle of Perrier does the trick?
I’ve noticed an unexpected knock-on effect on my , too.
I’m a terrible emotional eater, grabbing for chocolate for a quick pick-me-up, or a bagel to stave off boredom in the evening.
When I was making six or more hot drinks a day, there was a lot of time spent loitering in the kitchen.
Despite putting weights there in a bid while the kettle boiled, more often than not I was foraging through cupboards for a little something to nibble, especially before bed.
But now I’m only there for seconds while I grab a fresh bottle of water, this habit has almost disappeared. Win-win.
DAY 14
The final day of my experiment arrives and I’m delighted to have stuck it out – but I can’t wait for that .
I’m feeling a bit healthier and more energetic, but as I step on the scales, I’m not convinced I’ve actually lost weight.
Alongside the water, I’ve been – usually cereal like Special K with skimmed milk – at 11am, a protein-rich salad for lunch and a veggie lasagne or mushroom risotto for dinner – as well as walking daily.
To my delight, I’ve dropped 4lbs and am back down to 9st 11lbs. It’s a real result and I feel incredibly positive.
Having already slimmed down so much, it was frightening to feel the momentum slipping and this has given me renewed confidence to stay on track.
