A weight loss specialist has issued a warning that neglecting proper hydration before breakfast may be undermining people’s efforts to shed fat without them even realizing it.
Professor Franklin Joseph, head of Dr. Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, stresses that the key mistake often happens before food is even consumed.
“Most people wake up and go straight to the kitchen or grab a coffee without thinking twice,” said Professor Joseph. “But if you’re not preparing your body properly, you’re missing a major opportunity to boost fat-burning, increase energy, and control your appetite naturally.”
The Hydration Mistake
Professor Joseph explains that the body loses water overnight through breathing and sweating, leaving people mildly dehydrated by morning. This can significantly slow metabolism, trigger sugar cravings, and lead to fatigue and brain fog.
“If you don’t replace that lost water right away, you start your day in a state of mild dehydration,” he said. “This can slow down your metabolism, lead to sugar cravings, and leave you feeling tired and foggy.”
To optimize hydration, Professor Joseph recommends drinking at least 400 to 500 ml of water within 30 minutes of waking up. Adding a pinch of high-quality sea salt or an electrolyte supplement can enhance water absorption, he adds.
“Electrolytes can make a big difference, especially if you wake up feeling groggy or if you’re physically active,” he explained. “They help with hydration at a cellular level, making you feel more energized and sharper.”
The Coffee Dilemma
Reaching for coffee immediately after waking up can worsen the hydration issue by spiking cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. According to Professor Joseph, caffeine in the morning increases cortisol levels, which can interfere with fat loss, promote belly fat storage, and heighten feelings of anxiety.
“Caffeine first thing in the morning spikes cortisol, which can affect fat loss and make you feel more anxious,” he said.
When to Have Coffee
Professor Joseph suggests waiting at least 60 to 90 minutes after waking and hydrating before having your first cup of coffee. This allows cortisol levels to settle, helping to regulate energy levels more evenly throughout the day.
Hydration and Appetite Regulation
Hydration also plays a critical role in appetite control. Many people mistakenly confuse thirst with hunger, which can lead to overeating.
“They end up snacking or eating more because they think they’re hungry, but they’re actually just dehydrated,” Professor Joseph concluded.
By ensuring proper hydration before reaching for food or coffee, individuals can boost their metabolism, improve energy, and better control their appetite throughout the day.
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