Thirst or Hunger?

Here is some interesting info I found on thirst vs. hunger. Maybe just a small way to help you get through the Holiday Season without extra weight gain (and doing the 200 swings a day Kettlebell challenge)!

One of the best diet tips out there is to drink a glass of water before you eat a meal. You probably thought this was to full up your stomach with calorie-free liquid instead of food. And you would only be half right.


Actually hunger is commonly thirst in disguise. And if you satisfy that thirst, you might find that you don’t even need the food you are about to eat at all!

Here are some basic questions you can use to determine if you are experiencing hunger or thirst.

Am I hungry? If you’re not sure, wait 20 minutes and ask again.


When was the last time I ate? If it’s less than 3 hours, it may not be real hunger.

When was the last time I drank some water? It may not be hunger, but really thirst you are feeling.

Could a small snack tide me over until the next meal? Try to have ready-to-eat fruit or vegetables on hand.

Here are some suggestions to increase fluid intake:


Take water breaks during the day instead of coffee breaks or keep a cup or bottle on your desk to drink throughout the day.

Patronize vending machines that sell bottled water and skip the high calorie or sweetened beverages.

Anytime you walk past a water fountain, take a drink.

Alternate sparkling water and alcoholic drinks at parties or restaurants.

Drink water before, after, and during physical activity.

Carry a bottle of water as you commute, work, and/or run errands.

Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water; stay hydrated all day long!

We can survive a month without food, but only about a week without water. Why? This is because water is essential to your body with almost every part of the body cell, tissue, and organ needing water to function. Without enough water, dehydration, ranging from mild to severe forms, can set in.
Water is essential to maintain your body's fluid balance - especially if you work out!