4 Reasons for Weight Fluctuations

By Ashley Chapman

You have been keeping a consistent workout schedule and eating healthy. However, when you step on the scale, you are not happy with the number you see. Why would that be? There are many reasons your weight fluctuates and it may not because of an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are four reasons why your weight might be fluctuating.

Sodium 

Sodium is one of the main culprits to you feeling heavier or bloated. It is important to pay attention to the types of foods you are eating and how you season your food. Packaged foods have a tendency to have higher amounts of sodium. If possible, try to choose canned and packaged foods that do not have any added sodium or are reduced sodium. When it comes to seasoning your food, try to use spices instead of salt.

Strength Training 

It is common to workout consistently through the week, but when you go in for a weigh-in, you have not lost any weight.  If you are strength training, there is no need to be worried. When you lift weights, your muscles naturally tear. When this happens, your body uses inflammation to help heal the tears. This inflammation may be the cause for the fluctuation in your weight.

Water Weight 

Many people make the mistake of increasing their water intake and then weighing themselves soon after. Drinking water daily is important, but know that if you have recently increased your daily water intake, then you may show a fluctuation in your weight. This is not something to be concerned with; it just means that your body is not dehydrated.

Weighing Often

If you are trying to stay consistent with weigh-ins to track your weight goals, there are two suggestions on weighing yourself: time and frequency.

It is best to weigh yourself in the morning time, before you begin eating and drinking. You will naturally gain weight through the day because you are actively eating and drinking liquids. The morning is the best time to get an accurate reading of your current weight.

Weighing yourself once a week is just fine. If you weigh yourself several times throughout the week, you are more likely to see the natural fluctuations of your weight. This may cause unnecessary cause for concern. Choose one day a week that you weigh yourself.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Knightdale, N.C, .