When starting the hCG diet plan, most people report significant, even startling weight loss figures within the first few weeks. In some cases, individuals are losing one or even two pounds in a single day. However, success stories like these are not always automatic, and challenges are always going to arise.

One of the biggest threats to your weight loss journey is a simple one: dehydration. So if you aren’t seeing the results you want with the hCG meal plan, then significantly increasing your water intake might be the best place to start. Here’s why:

Muscular Strength & Endurance

It might sound obvious, but water plays a huge role in the way that our muscles operate. A dehydrated body will not be able to pump blood to the extremities as efficiently, causing fatigue to occur much sooner than normal. In addition, severe dehydration can thicken the blood and increase blood pressure … two things that can contribute significantly to fatigue and exhaustion.

The muscles themselves require water to operate at full capacity. When muscles become dehydrated, they can lose a significant amount of their overall strength. Dehydration also reduces the overall blood flow throughout the muscles, which can have big impacts on energy levels and core temperature.

Focus & Concentration

The reduced calorie intake required by the hCG diet plan can sometimes make it more difficult to concentrate, especially for people who are used to lots of small meals and snacks throughout the day. So, when you add dehydration into the mix, the decrease in mental capacity is even more significant.

Dehydration can drastically alter sodium and electrolyte levels in the body, both of which have been shown to be integral components in cognition. In general, swings in either sodium or electrolyte levels can hinder the brain’s ability to send and receive information. In some studies involving memory and attention, dehydration was shown to cause performance decreases by as much as 10 %.

Feeling Full & Satisfied

It’s one of the most overlooked dieting tips around, but one that should not be ignored. Drinking lots of water is one of the easiest ways to feel fuller and more satisfied throughout the day.

The rapid weight loss that people experience on the hCG diet plan is only possible when you stick to the calorie limits. Anytime you’re feeling a severe hunger pang while on hCG, the first thing that you should do is drink a large glass of water. But remember: it’s better to be constantly hydrating throughout the day rather than drinking it in all at once.

Electrolyte supplements are another effective option for dieters who are experiencing chronic dehydration. There are also zero-calorie electrolyte drinks that will help you stay within your daily calorie limit … drinking one first thing in the morning can keep your body functioning at peak levels.

If you’re not seeing the results your looking for with your hCG diet plan, it’s important to remember to stick with it. Staying fully hydrated is perhaps the easiest thing that you can do to increase your chances of loosing multiple pounds per week.