Why water?

So every diet says to drink lots of water.  But specifically how does drinking a lot of water help you lose weight?

keeps you feeling full, helps you digest more efficiently. 

helps you realize when your actually hungry and not just dehydrated

Keeps skin clear

helps you feel less bloated when you eat sodium rich foods

Being well-hydrated helps keep your digestion running smoothly, reduces fluid retention and also means your vital organs... liver and kidneys... are able to do their job properly ie. processing fat and removing waste products from the body. 

You don't have to drink vast amounts of water unless you've got a particularly strenuous job, do a lot of vigorous exercise or live in a hot environment.  A litre or two is sufficient.

ICE water ...reallly COLD water... burns 123 calories per gallon of consumption ;)
You get free calorie cuts with no exercise and no changes to your eating.

edit: Important- the idea here is to drink the gallon of water throughout the day (preferably most of it prior to 6pm) NOT to drink it all at once!

The ice water thing is another big old diet myth... sorry. 

Don't drink ice water unless you prefer it...you might get an extra 5 or 10 calories per day from converting the heat, but not enough to make it worthwhile if it's not already your preference.

I don't know what water actually does in regards to a diet but I have to say...when I drink many glasses throughout the day I am less hungery and feel better. So the points made above must be true. If on Atkins, which I am not, I believe it is more important because you loose a lot water.

Interesting that you're finding that the icewater is a myth. I've verified it with reliable sources including medical sources. No worries though as I'm NOT an ice water drinker.. my dieting partner is though :)

Original Post by gi-jane:

Being well-hydrated helps keep your digestion running smoothly, reduces fluid retention and also means your vital organs... liver and kidneys... are able to do their job properly ie. processing fat and removing waste products from the body.

You don't have to drink vast amounts of water unless you've got a particularly strenuous job, do a lot of vigorous exercise or live in a hot environment. A litre or two is sufficient.

I highly doubt that one liter is enough.  According to the Mayo clinic, 2-3 liters for most people.

8 8 ounce glasses of ice water will burn about 70 Calories.