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Weight Fluctuations
You are not the only one who sees the scale number fluctuate from one day to another and it is okay to wonder why. I have six questions for you that can help you understand why your weight fluctuates.
Did you drink a lot before weighing yourself? Or did you have a heavy meal the night before? Then the number on the scale will fluctuate.
Are you training or preparing to compete? Loading on carbs or sodium will result in fluid retention. Carb loading is necessary for athletes before training or competition and fluid retention will be lost as carbs are burned during workout. Watch out for your sodium, since everyone has a different need depending on their sodium sweat concentrations. The more you sweat, the more you need.
Talking about sweat, how much do you sweat? Losing too much water through sweat can also fluctuate your weight. Check the scale before and after workout to determine your scale rate so you can replenish fluids appropriately.
Are you eating out or eating more on the weekends? Weekend days are more likely to show a higher number in the scale since we tend to eat out more. But it is not attributed to real weight gain. For a more accurate number, keep consistency in your eating habits 7 days a week.
How much do you know about your hormones? Hormonal changes are a factor starting with cortisol (stress hormone), which can increase after a workout and therefore increase your weight. Women’s menstrual cycle will also show a weight fluctuation which is more evident in the first day of the cycle. Controlling stress levels and having a healthy balanced diet can help reduce inflammation.
Have you poop yet? If you have not, that can increase the weight in the scale. Aim to stay hydrated and consume your daily fiber to maintain regular bowel movements.
