Lose Water Weight

Get Slim Quick

By Michelle DeLiso
Your body does an amazing job of correcting fluid imbalances. But poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle can tip the scales toward water retention. We have eleven water log prevention tips that will help you look lean this summer.

Surplus salt makes the body retain fluids, but you'll need to do more than hide the salt shaker. Steer clear of high sodium foods like hot dogs, olives, salted nuts, pickles and many frozen foods. Be on the lookout for less obvious sources such as soy sauce, ketchup, deli meats and cheese.

Skip the sugar:
Too much sugar can raise insulin levels, decreasing the body's ability to excrete sodium. Avoid your sugar bowl and foods like sweet cereals, cakes, cookies, ice cream toppings and products containing high-fructose corn syrup.


Don't go Too Low-Cal:
Of Course a low-cal diet will help you lose weight, but shed too many calories and you could create water retention. Don't eat less than 1,2000 calories per day and include lean protein, an important nutrient in short supply in very low-cal diets that helps stave-off water retention.


Get Moving:
Your lymphatic system can't drain excess fluid out of tissues without body movement. Exercise about four times a week to relieve your body of extra fluid and salt through sweating and increased respiration.


Get Dry:
Alcohol acts as a diuretic at first, making you lose excess water. But that loss can lead to dehydration, causing the body to preserve its fluids. Opt for virgin drinks, or dilute that glass of wine with seltzer.


Get Wet:
Take a swim. Water pressure forces fluid out of tissues and ultimately, the bladder. To emulate those results, take some of your workouts to the pool.


Fill Up:
While it seems contradictory, drinking plenty of plain water-8 to 10 glasses per day-will flush salt and fluid out of your system. A well-hydrated body in less likely to retain water.


Stock Up:
Many foods and herbs promote digestion and fluid-shedding: yogurt, fiber-rich cereal, brown rice, cabbage and cranberry juice. Ginger and dandelion have a mild diuretic effect-use either to brew yourself a jug of slenderizing iced tea.