6 Things That Can Make You Gain Water Weight

Have you experienced stepping on the scale and seeing the pounds go up despite your weight management plan? You look at the mirror and would probably describe yourself as puffy and bloated.

The last thing you should do is panic. It is possible that you have gained some extra water weight. Let this not discourage you from pushing through your efforts for a future pro cheer or dance audition. In this blog post, you will learn what water weight and factors that cause it.

What is Water Weight?

Water weight, to be clear, is not fat weight. If you noticed that you gained weight fast in a matter of days, that’s because your body retained water. Your body fluid status can fluctuate from time to time. Puffy hands, feet, and ankles are obvious signs. Fat weight, on the other hand, isn’t gained overnight. It takes weeks before it shows after eating more calories than you burn.

Causes of Water Weight

Below are different reasons why you retain water. Knowing these things will help you modify your lifestyle and minimize the intake of some foods.

1 - Sodium

Had a fast food meal? Binged on chips? Salty foods are the most common reasons that lead to belly bloat. Excess sodium attracts fluids in the cells and this explains water weight. Cut down your use of salt when you cook. Use more natural spices instead to flavor your food.

2 - Carbs

Yes, carbohydrate-rich foods are another culprit behind water retention. Carbohydrates end up as glycogen which is then stored in your muscles. But for storage to take place, glycogen needs water. So there you go! Eat more pastries and don’t sweat it out - you’ll hold on to more water.

3 - Sitting most of the time

Work from home or have a desk job? Stand up and walk or stretch for a few minutes every hour. Sitting for long periods of time leads to poor circulation in the body. I would recommend that unless you have a fitness app or tracker that reminds you to stand up each hour, you set alarms for it.

4 - Cortisol (stress)

When you’re constantly faced with stress, cortisol levels rise and this also leads to water retention. While cortisol isn’t actually a bad hormone, chronic elevation and abnormally high levels eventually lead to obesity. Focus on managing stress in your life the right way. It’s no secret that a healthy mindset increases your success for future auditions and the best part is that it also impacts your weight.

5 - Dehydration

Surprisingly, dehydration is related to water retention. When your body starts to lose fluids, it will also retain water to compensate for the loss. Since you’re probably following an exercise regimen or exposed to the sun each day, make sure that you carry bottles of water with you and actually drink them.

6 - You’re about to get your period

Water retention is more common in women, and hormonal changes are one of the reasons. When your body is preparing for menstruation, it tends to retain more water. Don’t worry, this will subside once you have your period. But to minimize water retention, increase your water intake, engage in light exercise, and avoid salty foods!

Final Thoughts

Lastly, if the problem persists despite exercise and a healthy diet, it’s best to seek medical help. The points above are simply here to let you know that there’s no need to panic and quit trying to achieve a fitter body.

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