What's Your Dry Weight?

When we first go on a diet, we tend to lose a lot of weight the first week or two. Now mostly that weight is in water, and very little actual fat. However, it's good to lose the water, and get down to our "dry weight".

We do need water in our systems, to keep our blood flowing if nothing else. But we don't want extra water, which can show up as puffiness (in many places). However, most people tend to hang on to excess water!

How?

Sodium is one. When we eat excess sodium, it tends to attract (for lack of a better word) water and hold onto it. So eating less salt and salty foods (read labels!) will help get rid of that water.

We also tend to not drink enough water. I know there are some people who say you can count any liquids as "water" but I'm here to say no. You can only count liquids that do not have caffeine or sodium in them. Now obviously water is the best, but fruit juices and herbal teas can be OK. Just watch the sugar in fruit juice and don't put as much honey in the tea (a little is fine). Just make sure to drink at least 4 glasses of plain water a day if you choose that route. Better yet, drink your 8 glasses of water plus the juice or herbal tea!

It seems funny, that drinking water helps to get rid of excess water, but if you don't drink enough, the body hoards what it has. If you get enough water, the body feels free to release it.