Have you been working out and eating right, and yet can’t seem to get rid of the bulges on your tummy, thighs and arms? You won’t believe it, but the cause has nothing to do with your current lifestyle. Water is the root cause of it! For several reasons, your body retains water. Your body stores it as subcutaneous liquid in your cells. When too much of it is stored, it makes your skin look puffy and bloated. Here’s how to say hasta la vista to your water weight naturally and quickly!
1. Cut Down On Salt Intake
Foods that contain high amounts of sodium like bacon, cheese, potato chips, pickles, soy sauce, smoked meats, salted roasted nuts, and stock cubes, causes your body to store water, which leads to bloating. Ideally, your body only requires 2000-2500 mg of sodium. If you exceed that level, you could put on a few extra pounds as it leads to water retention in cells. Opt for foods like salads, boiled meats, yogurts, fresh veggies and fruits instead.
2. Drink Enough Water!
To lose water weight, you have to drink more water! As contradictory as it sounds, water fights water! One of the primary reasons for your cells and tissues to retain water is when your system is not getting adequate water (from you drinking it often and regularly enough), and it sends your body into survival mode and makes it store water to stay hydrated. You see, it’s important for your body to stay hydrated as it flushes toxins, unnecessary fluids and fatty foods away. Instead of chugging water, trying sipping it throughout the day. Drink as much as water as you can to keep the fat and toxins away.
3. No More Caffeine For You!
Too much caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration. This causes water retention by your cells, since your body is under-hydrated and tries to fight that state. Coffee, tea, aerated drinks all contain high amounts of caffeine. We’re not asking you to give up on all of them, we’re asking you to maintain a balance. Opt for natural juices instead. Try not to settle for packaged juices as they contain added sugar, preservatives and food chemicals. Make your juices using your trusty juicer at home. Juices from cranberries, apples, melons, black currants, beetroots, lemons, parsley and cucumbers, all act as natural diuretics which eliminate toxins and fluids from the body. Remember, ladies, a healthier you is a prettier you.
4. Sweat It Out!
Walking, running, sitting in a sauna room, do whatever it takes to drop that water weight! When you sweat, you not only shed excess water in your body, you also flush toxins and salts away. Don’t overdo it, though, because sweating it out too much can lead to dehydration. Whatever way you choose to sweat, make sure it’s done for a period of 30 minutes. Spend no more time doing one thing as it could push you into subsequently consuming more water than required.
5. Are You Eating Enough Fiber?
Eating fiber rich foods is the best thing you can do for your body. These foods not only clean your kidneys and urinary tract, they also flush toxins and unwanted fluids away. In the morning, opt for a bowl of cereal instead of juicy pancakes or butter coated parathas. You can also add flax seeds to your bowl of cereal. During the day, make sure you get your daily dose of steamed and fresh veggies. These could be sprouts, broccoli, avocado, peas, beans and lentils. Don’t boil or roast them because that could drastically tamper with its nutrition and fiber value. And if you crave snacks during the day, nibble on fruits like strawberries, cranberries, blackberries and pears as these babies are packed with antioxidants and fibers that are useful for your health.
6. Bye Bye, Alcohol
Drinking alcohol every other day does take a major toll on your health. No matter how much you like the taste and kick of wine, beer, vodka, rum, whisky, etc., all these beverages dehydrate your body. When you drink too much of it, it forces your body to store water in cells to keep you hydrated. You can either choose to cut down on it or you can completely give up on it. Both these options will send you on the road to better health. Choose wisely, live well, we say!
7. Exercise Like You Mean It!
You can hit the gym or try exercises that require no equipment, the choice is yours. Tennis, swimming, bicycle riding, running and crunches can help you get rid of excess water weight on your tummy, thighs, arms and ankles. After each exercise make sure you replace a carb dish with a fiber one to lose the bloat the healthy way. You go, girl!
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