Water intake during maintenance compared to weightloss

Do I really have to drink so much water still? I usually aim for 80-90 oz but I'm thinking of going down to 64 oz a day now that I'm maintaining. Would it make any difference? Will I start retaining water? What do you all aim for in maintenance? I'm tired of peeing all the time haha tmi...

Replies

  • wellthenwhat
    wellthenwhat Posts: 526 Member
    I just drink when I'm thirsty, I have no set water goal. I'm also not maintaining yet though. :)
  • I personally think you will be okay with 64 ounces. I try to get as close to a gallon a day as possible for myself, to ward off high sodium levels. Try it for a week and if you notice any negative change in your weight you may have to up it again..
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    I just drink when I'm thirsty, and I drink extra when my pee is dark.

    Your abs are amazing, btw.
  • MinimalistShoeAddict
    MinimalistShoeAddict Posts: 1,946 Member
    I just drink when I'm thirsty, I have no set water goal.

    Honestly I think this is the right method for most people.

    No need to be overly concerned about short term weight fluctuations because of water retention. I see no reason why water consumption needs to change during maintenance as compared to your weight loss phase (assuming your activity levels remain constant).
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Stay hydrated...that is all.

    The whole 8 glasses of water per day is just a good general guideline for staying hydrated. It doesn't matter what you weight control goals are...drinking water has little to do with actually losing weight other than flushing your system of excess sodium, etc.
  • icrushit
    icrushit Posts: 773 Member
    Apparently your body gets used to increased water over time, at least according to athletes. If you've been drinking what you've been drinking for quite a bit, and you're still peeing a lot, maybe dial it back though, lol.

    The main benefit of water consumption for me personally would be the flushing of toxins/ better skin/ etc. I know a certain amount helps for weight loss, but after the weight loss, it would be other reasons like those I mentioned that I would make sure to keep up a decent water intake. After all, just for normal functions, your body is supposed to need 1.5- 2 litres a day, so myself I aim for that, and then a little some on top for more optimal benefits.
  • F00LofaT00K
    F00LofaT00K Posts: 688 Member
    I drink when I'm thirsty also. I'm very physical and sweat a lot at work, so I drink BEFORE I get thirsty when I'm there. I pretty much just keep drinking water at work . . . but other than that, I drink when I'm thirsty. How much water you drink doesn't matter for weight, it just matters for hydration. Very few people will become dehydrated if they drink when they're thirsty. You get a lot of water just by eating foods so for a lot of people, drinking a set amount of water actually gives them more water than they think.
  • I shoot for a gallon a day no matter what my goals are :-)
  • darkguardian419
    darkguardian419 Posts: 1,302 Member
    Drink water so that your pee is clear most of the time.

    The food you eat can greatly change how much/little water you need, so as long as your pee is clear most of the time you should be fine. 8 cups a day is simply a guideline. I typically drink a gallon a day just because I've found that I feel better when I do, but it's definitely not for everyone.
  • eevincheezburger
    eevincheezburger Posts: 163 Member
    When I drink a gallon of water per day, my cravings for sugars are reduced and I am able to make more level-headed decisions about eating. I feel satisfied and full for longer. But then again, I'm not trying to get super-lean and I live in the desert ;)