So you started working out and made dietary adjustments for your new health and fitness journey, but your weighing scales are showing inconsistencies in your weight. As familiar as it sounds, daily weight changes are common and may not always mean you have gained fats.

High Intake of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates cause your body to retain water. For every 1 gram of carbs consumed, your body keeps 3 grams of water. A diet that is high in carbs tends to cause water weight to increase and cause our weight to fluctuate. This is why the keto diet is being promoted as a strong weight loss diet as carbohydrates intake are limited. With this new understanding, you no longer have to worry about the sudden increase in your weight after you have eaten your favourite rice, noodles or pasta. You are not getting fat, and the water weight will soon be lost. Do not remove carbs from your diet as your body needs them as a fuel source.

Your Salt Consumption Has Been High

Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is commonly found in canned food, savoury food and processed meat. Sodium causes the body to retain water. Consuming food that is high in sodium not only increases your weight on the weighing machine, it is also not good for the heart in the long run. Cutting down on such food may cause a drop in weight, but be mindful this is just a result of loss of water and it does not necessarily mean fat loss.

You Have Been Exercising A Lot

Cardiovascular exercises such as HIIT, running, and cycling can cause your body to lose a huge amount of water as your body perspires to cool down during a round of exercise. Your weight may drop after a workout but as you rehydrate, your body weight goes up again.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Studies have shown a woman’s body retains the most fluid on the first day of the menstrual cycle and the lowest during the mid-follicular stage. Therefore, it is normal for the weighing machine to show you are heavier at the beginning of your cycle. It is also normal for you to crave for and consume more carbs during the days leading to your period, which your body will, in turn, retain as water, causing the numbers on the weighing scale to tip higher.

Estrogen also causes your body to retain water. You may have observed yourself experiencing more water retention just before your period, as your body tends to have a higher level of estrogen than progesterone in the days before your period starts. Do not be alarmed if your weight goes up. Water retention caused by hormonal imbalances and changes is also common during perimenopause and menopause. Water retention due to hormonal changes can be reduced with the regular use of Meditrina Ageless Herbal Cream for both self-care or during the massage sessions at your spa.

Constipation

Your daily poop weighs between 72 grams to 470 grams. Naturally, if you are not able to poop regularly, your poop will contribute to your weight. Furthermore, constipation can cause bloating and stomach discomfort. Exercising, drinking more water, and eating more fibre can help to relieve constipation. If your constipation persists, it may actually be a sign of certain imbalances.

Undigested Food

Your body weight naturally increases as you eat, so it is normal for your weight to fluctuate after a meal. Generally, it takes about six to eight hours for food to be digested, and about 36 hours to move through your large intestine. So do not spend too much time worrying about your weight after your meals, it is natural that you weigh heavier.