Americans Are Officially Drinking More Bottled Water Than Soda

Here’s a health trend we can get behind: Americans are now drinking more bottled water than soda, Reuters reports.

That stat comes from Beverage Marketing Corp., a research and consulting firm that tracks consumption of what we’re drinking. According to the data, 2016 was the first year that bottled water surpassed carbonated soft drinks as the largest beverage category by volume in this country.

Bottled water consumption has been growing steadily for decades, and reached 39.3 gallons per person a year in 2016. That’s about a nine percent increase from the year prior.

This Drink Helps You Burn an Extra 490 Calories Per Week

You know that guzzling water can help take the edge off your hunger and nix the urge to snack in between meals. But guess what? That's not the only way that having plenty of water can help you reach your weight loss goals.

You shouldn't just be sipping the stuff when your stomach starts to rumble an hour before dinner. You should be drinking water all the time. (Okay, that's a little bit of an exaggeration. You don't literally need to gulp water 24/7. And your individual hydration depends on your size, activity level, and the climate where you live.)

But regardless: If you're trying to lose your spare tire, you probably should be sipping more often. Here are 3 surprising facts that'll make you reach for your reusable bottle.

Can Lemon Water Really Help You Lose Weight?

Celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Real Housewives of New Jersey star Dina Manzo guzzle hot water with lemon as if the liquid was bottled at the Fountain of Youth itself. They're certain it aids in weight loss—but is the claim too good to be true?

"Hot water with lemon in and of itself does not cause any actual weight loss," says Alissa Rumsey, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. However, if this drink is replacing a beverage that is higher in calories, like coffee with sugar or fruit juice—and that results in a calorie deficit—then it can help you lose weight.