It’s a question that everyone has asked themselves when pouring a glass of water at the table. Is drinking water during a meal desirable?
It’s a debate that often comes up at the table: is it better to drink water during meals or outside? There are two teams: those who will hydrate throughout the day and those who will drink plenty of water during lunch or dinner. If it is recommended to drink around 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day according to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, what quantity should we prefer during meals?
According to nutritionist Alexandra Dalu, drinking water during meals does not pose a problem because the production of digestive juices automatically adapts depending on what the body absorbs, even when it is liquid. This can even be beneficial because drinking water helps liquefy dry foods and thus help digestion. “This will soften the food bolus,” explains the specialist, according to Le Figaro.
Drinking water also means eating more slowly: you have to take the time to put down your cutlery and grab your glass. This also sends a satiation signal to the brain and therefore allows you to eat less. That said, drinking during meals is not always such a good idea and certain habits should be avoided according to experts and others should be adopted.
First, it is advisable to drink small sips throughout the meal, rather than large glasses. You should also avoid drinking water that is too cold. Sparkling water should also be avoided, especially for people who are often affected by bloating. Violette Petroj, nutritionist and dietitian, confides to the magazine She that you should ideally drink “around two small 20 cl glasses per meal”.
According to a study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, drinking water also promotes the absorption of glucose by the body and can then cause abnormal insulin peaks. The body will then store fat more easily. This especially happens with the consumption of sugary foods. It is therefore preferable during a meal that is too sweet not to drink it straight away: experts advise waiting 30 minutes. It is also recommended to avoid water during dessert.
Furthermore, other times of the day are ideal for a good glass of water. When you wake up, the body has not received water for several hours, so it is important to rehydrate. The same consideration is required at bedtime to prevent dehydration during sleep. Above all, you should listen to your body and drink when thirst or dehydration is felt.