In this article, we’re uncovering why water is a macronutrient and how it plays a vital role in your wellbeing, weight loss, and mental performance.
By the end of the article, you’ll know why water deserves a fixed spot at the table alongside the other macronutrients —and how to ensure you’re luxuriously hydrated for radiant health in body, mind, and soul.
What is a Macronutrient?
Traditionally, the core three macronutrients are fat, protein, and carbohydrates—the building blocks of nutrition that are essential for energy, physiological function, and overall health.
The three primary macronutrients in traditional nutrition science:
- Carbohydrates: Your body’s main source of energy, found in foods like bread, fruits, and grains.
- Proteins: Essential for building and repairing tissues, found primarily in meat, seafood, eggs, beans and legumes, and dairy.
- Fats: Critical for hormone production and energy storage, found in nuts, oils, seeds, and avocado.
Each of these macronutrients is called “macro” because your body needs them in large amounts. They also provide calories, or energy. Whereas micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, are needed in smaller quantities each day.
Why Water Deserves the Title of Macronutrient
Although water does not provide calories like the other macronutrients, it’s arguably the most essential macronutrient. Here’s why:
- Essential daily requirements: Water makes up about 60% of your body. From your cells to your skin, every part of you relies on water to function.
- Physiological roles: Water supports digestion, absorption, circulation, saliva production, nutrient transportation, and temperature regulation. Without it, your body simply cannot operate.
Traditionally, water hasn’t been categorized as a macronutrient, but given its vital importance and the large amounts needed daily, it’s time to reconsider.
The Importance of Hydration for Radiant Health
Shockingly, 43% of adults drink fewer than four cups of water a day. This chronic dehydration can lead to sluggishness, poor health, and even weight gain.
Let’s explore the benefits of hydration and why drinking enough water is one of the best things you can do for your body.
1. Hydration and Fat Loss
Did you know that being well-hydrated is critical for burning fat? Here’s how it works:
- Lipolysis: The first step in fat metabolism requires water. Without enough water, your body cannot break down fat for energy effectively.
- Cellular efficiency: Dehydrated cells are more likely to store fat instead of burning it.
- Research-backed evidence: A 2016 review found that mild dehydration fosters obesity, while increased water consumption supports fat loss.
A simple habit like drinking 16 ounces of water before meals can also aid weight loss. In a controlled study, participants who drank water before eating lost more weight than those who didn’t.
2. Hydration for Mental Performance
Your brain is extremely sensitive to dehydration, even at mild levels (1-2% of body weight). Here’s what happens when you’re not hydrated well:
- Cognitive impairment: Dehydration affects memory, focus, and decision-making.
- Mood regulation: Researchers have found that hydration improves mood, reducing irritability and fatigue.
- Brain health: Staying hydrated ensures your brain functions at its peak, enhancing learning and recall.
3. Hydrating Foods: More Than Just Water
Water isn’t the only way to hydrate. Many foods are rich in water and can help you meet your daily hydration needs.
- Fruits: Melons (like watermelon and cantaloupe) are up to 90% water.
- Vegetables: Cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, and romaine lettuce are hydrating options.
- Soups and smoothies: These can be a delicious way to increase water intake.
Incorporating hydrating foods into your meals, in addition to drinking water throughout the day, can help your body function optimally while supporting fat loss and overall health.
Hydration Tips for Radiant Wellbeing
How Much Water Do You Need?
To calculate your daily water needs, divide your weight in pounds by two. The result is the number of ounces you should aim to drink. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water per day.
Practical Hydration Strategies
- Drink consistently: Sip water throughout the day instead of drinking large amounts at once.
- Start and end your day with water: Drink a big glass of water in the morning and another before bed.
- Carry water everywhere: Keep a bottle with you to sip on-the-go.
- Listen to your body: Thirst is your body’s way of signaling mild dehydration.
Switching from Soda to Water
- Experiment with sparkling water varieties like seltzer or club soda to mimic the fizz of soda without added sugars.
- Replace sugary drinks with infused water.
Infused Water Combinations
Try the following combinations in 5-6 cups of water in a pitcher. Experiment and find out which combinations you enjoy the most. Note: the flavors get stronger as the infused water sits.
- Raspberries, cucumber, lemon.
- Watermelon, kiwi, lime.
- Honeydew, cucumber, mint.
- Blackberries or blueberries, orange.
- Pineapple, lime, coconut.
- Grapefruit, pomegranate, mint.
- Mango, raspberry, ginger.
- Strawberry, lemon, basil.
Hydrate for a Better You
Hydration is the foundation of health. Drinking water, eating hydrating foods, and prioritizing consistent fluid intake can help you burn fat, think clearly, and feel simply radiant.
Water is a macronutrient that supports every system in your body. Make hydration a daily habit, and you’ll be well on your way to nourishing your body luxuriously to live your most radiant life.
Action Plan for Hydration:
- Always have water within reach.
- Sip regularly throughout the day.
- Replace caloric beverages with water or herbal-infused alternatives.
- Check your hydration levels by monitoring the color of your urine—it should be clear or pale yellow.
Commit to better hydration today and reap the benefits for your body and mind.
Water: Nourishment for the Soul
Water is not only essential for your body but also profoundly nourishing for your soul. Across cultures and centuries, water has symbolized life, renewal, and cleansing. Its presence often evokes feelings of calmness, tranquility, and emotional restoration.
The Tranquility of Water
The visual and auditory qualities of water—whether it’s the gentle ripples of a lake, the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves, or the soothing sound of a trickling stream—have a calming effect on the mind. These natural elements allow space for reflection and emotional restoration, making water a powerful tool for mental and emotional wellbeing.
Water in Spiritual Practices
Across cultures and traditions, water holds deep spiritual significance. It is often used in ritualistic cleansing practices to purify the mind and spirit, where water symbolizes renewal, connection, and a fresh start.
A Source of Inner Rejuvenation
Engaging with water—whether by walking along a beach, meditating near a fountain, or even soaking in a luxurious bath—can act as a source of inner rejuvenation. It helps quiet the mind, wash away stress, and foster a sense of harmony between body and soul.
Final Thoughts: Water is a Macronutrient
Drinking enough water is one of the simplest yet most transformative ways to achieve radiant wellbeing. By understanding that water is a macronutrient, essential for your body’s functions, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual renewal, you can begin to appreciate the unparalleled value of this basic substance.
Make drinking water a luxurious act of self-care—sip it throughout the day, infuse it with vibrant flavors, and let it remind you to slow down and savor life.
Simply by prioritizing hydration and appreciating water, you can unlock a life that feels beautifully nourished in body, mind, and soul, allowing you to live with vitality, balance, and serene elegance.
For more macronutrient advice, to help you feel and perform your best, read our article “How Much Protein for Breakfast for Striving Women?”.
Also, download our complementary guide to start embracing the Wellbody Wellbeing lifestyle and learn the art of feeling luxuriously nourished in life.
