Weight Loss - Update 1
It’s been a week already since I started my experiment of adding water to my diet. Are you wondering how I’ve done? Me too, let’s have a look!
Over the week, I have averaged at least 60 to 70 ounces of water every day. With this, I’ve noticed some obvious and some not-so-obvious changes in my routine:
- As expected, I’m taking a lot more bathroom breaks than before.
- Since I’m having to get up more often anyway, I’m also noticing an increase in my walking activity.
- The addition of water seems to have me snacking less often that I did before.
However, there is a downside: Rather than lose a little weight as I had hoped, I’ve actually gained a pound over the last week. I’m really frustrated by this.
My theory is that perhaps I was a bit dehydrated, and my body is just retaining some of the water that I’ve been flushing through it. It might take a little while for me to adjust to this new system. At least that’s what I hope it is. I’m fat enough as it is, I don’t really intend on losing any more ground than I have.
I’m still a bit embarrassed to go out in public. I know that there’s bigger people than me, but I’m having a real issue with this, and am determined to bring sexy back to my body. Failure is just not an option at this point.
Comments Back to Top
1. Mark
Oct 25th, 2007
I think your theory’s right on… I’ve read often that drinking a lot of soda dehydrates you more than you think despite the fluid intake, primarily because of the diuretic nature of the caffeine (replacing coffee with water should make a difference, too). Your metabolism may just be slowing a bit at first while you’re getting off the caffeine if you’re feeling sluggish without it. After the hump, I think you’ll feel more energetic. That happened to Jessica—she gave up Diet Coke when she got pregnant and felt great after a couple weeks. She didn’t resume drinking it afterwards.
If you’re also in the first 6-8 weeks of a cycle increasing your exercise routine, that can be another reason for the gain. Every spring when I start running outdoors again I gain a few pounds during the first six weeks before the trend reverses. Muscle and bone densities both increase from a change in exercise, and muscle weighs about 25% more than fat inch-for-inch. It makes it hard as hell to stay motivated in the beginning but I tell myself the benefit will come.
Hang in there—I think your experiment will pay off!
2. Leah
Oct 26th, 2007
Sending you positive voodoo vibes!
3. Carolyn
Oct 28th, 2007
I remember having surgery once, and even though I was hardly eating at all, when I got home I shrieked when I got on the scale and discovered I’d gained a number of pounds. Then I realized it had been the constant influx of fluids from the IV that caused it. Things balanced out very quickly after that, if I remember. Definitely keep drinking. It makes a difference, once you get over the initial hump.
4. Andrew Kumar
Oct 29th, 2007
a pound isn’t anything to worry about; my weight fluctuates about 4 lbs a day :D
i think the caffeine comment might give some good insights! things will turn around!
bring sexy back to web directions north—> now you have a deadline :p
5. Mike Stickel
Oct 30th, 2007
Keep sticking with it Anton, real progress won’t be noticable until later on. As others have said, your body is adjusting to the new changes you’re giving it. Also remember that in order to break or create a habit you’ve got to keep going for at least a month. :)
6. boxer
Nov 15th, 2007
I was also overweight and found that skipping (its harder than you remember!) really really helped me build up my cardio and lose weight. I went on a fairly rigorous workout 3x a week. skipping, punching bags, pushups and ab work. 2 years later, almost to the day, i’ve lost 3.5 pant sizes.
you can do it, its hard at first, but it feels so good to need to go shopping for new clothes!