Gained weight/ Lack of water? Help please.

So a few days after I started exercising and cutting calories I lost 3 pounds, but since then I have actually gained those back plus one more. I'm staying at 1200 calories or just below it, and doing mainly cardio workouts. One of my theories is that my lack of water has been the problem here, could that be true? And if that is, how can I make myself drink more? I have literally not been thirsty at all and it takes a lot for me to force myself to drink, especially when my body doesn't want it. Not just water, but anything for that matter. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    If you're not drinking water, what ARE you drinking? Coffee? Soda? Tea?
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    When it is hot out and when you are at certain points in your monthly cycle you will retain water weight. Can't see your food diary, but you could be eating high sodium foods as well which cause water retention. Adding new exercise causes water retention.

    Try waking up and drinking 18-32 ounces of water immediately. It makes drinking more later easier.

    Also, make sure you are weighing and measuring your food correctly to rule out that you might be eating more than you think.

    ETA: All metabolic functions take place in water. Your body can't use your fat stores for energy if you aren't giving it enough water to break the fat down in.
  • I'm not drinking anything.. I'll make something like flavored water or a cup of tea but I can't bring myself to drink it.
  • I have been having more sodium then I should, and that's a good tip. I'll try that every morning. Thank you.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    I have been having more sodium then I should, and that's a good tip. I'll try that every morning. Thank you.

    I used to have a tough time drinking water. I started with 32 ounces immediately then another 16 before lunch. After lunch I drank another 16 and that put me at the suggested eight, 8oz glasses of water.
  • luckydays27
    luckydays27 Posts: 552 Member
    You have to drink water. Its a necessary part of your body's function to have fluids.
  • SkagitYogini
    SkagitYogini Posts: 112 Member
    One thing about drinking water: The more you drink, the more you want. Try carrying a bottle of water with you, or keeping it within reach all day. If you prefer hot drinks, try hot water with a lemon wedge. It may take some getting used to, but once you do, it will be easy to drink your daily 8 glasses.

    Also, you say you are staying within 1200 calories. Are you eating more when you exercise? Remember you get extra calories for working out.
  • BlackBeltInTraining
    BlackBeltInTraining Posts: 30 Member
    Make sure you are not eating too little. If you eat too little your body starts to think that it is starving and actually STORES Fat. Try not to go bellow 1200, if yu want to go under that, just eat 1200 and exercise afterwards. Water will help you and taking less sodium in throughout the day helps as well. Hang in there, things will get better, I'm sure of it!