There are many reasons why it is important to drink water, especially when you are trying to lose weight on the 5 and 1 Program:

• Cravings are really a sign that your body is thirsty. So when you feel a craving coming along, reach for your water.  It’s the cheapest, safest appetite suppressant there is.
• Your initial weight loss is largely due to loss of water and that is why you need to drink a sufficient amount of water in order to avoid dehydration.
• When your body starts burning calories, it needs an adequate supply of water in order to function efficiently; dehydration slows down the fat-burning process.
• Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume and this causes a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles which can make you feel tired.
• Burning calories creates toxins in our bodies (think of the exhaust coming out of your car).  Water plays a vital role in flushing these toxins out of your body.
• Drinking water before and with a meal makes you feel fuller and will make you eat less.   However,  drinking water alone may not have this effect. In order to feel satiated (not hungry), our bodies need protein, sufficient calories and nutrients.  All of which can be found in each of the Medifast Meal Replacements and in your Lean and Green Meal.

Read our other post:  WHY WATER IS GOOD FOR YOU

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Keeping the Weight Off – A new plan that can help you make your slim-down permanent.

Watch Dr. Andersen on “Good Morning America – HEALTH”

When you’re on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you have clear guidelines on what, when, and how much to eat for your daily Lean & Green Meal.

But what about when you’re dining out?

You can stay on plan with healthy Lean & Green Meals—or healthy options for the Transition and Maintenance phases—pretty much wherever you go. All it takes is a little planning and creativity. Most restaurants have choices that are compatible with the program, or can be, with a bit of modification.

The most important thing to remember is that it’s okay to ask your server questions about “customizing” your order. Most places are more than happy to accommodate special requests and many offer healthier substitutions for free, or for a small additional charge.

Here are some more tips:

BEFORE YOU GO

1. Review plan-friendly options so you know what to look for on the menu.
2. Do your homework. Check out the restaurant’s menu online or in person, or call ahead and plan your order in advance.
3. Get the support you need from family and friends who will be dining with you. Inform them ahead of time of your commitment to your health goals so there’s no pressure to explain at the table.

CHOOSING WHAT TO ORDER
When deciding how to have your food prepared, keep in mind that certain cooking methods can add unnecessary calories and fat to your food.

1. Choose foods that are steamed, poached, baked, broiled, grilled, roasted, or “garden fresh.”
2. Avoid foods that are fried, crispy, creamy, buttery, or served in pastry or with gravy or rich sauces.
3. When eating beef, choose filet, loin (sirloin), or round, and always trim any visible fat from the meat.
4. When in Maintenance, choose items made with whole grains such as brown rice and whole-wheat bread and pasta.
5. Get your food “naked”—with sauces, dressings, or toppings left off or on the side.