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By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

How do I deal with weight fluctuations?
Asked by anonymous on Oct 07, 2008 in Weight Loss



In the past three weeks, my weight has gone from 203 lb to 199 lb and then jumped to 207 lb. I've been consistent with my calorie intake and I am exercising regularly. My only guess is maybe it's PMS, but that seems like a big jump.


Answer

Your weight can increase before menstruation. A woman’s hormonal cycles and salty foods are common causes of weight gain due to water retention.  And water weight is heavy, as you know if you've ever lugged water. To limit weight gain around your period, keep your sodium intake to 2300 mg a day. Weigh yourself no more than once day, upon arising, after emptying your bladder, while wearing light or no clothing. Log your weight on your Calorie Count Account page, and use the “trend line” (the green line) to assess your weight. The trend line smooths out day-to-day variations to report your true weight change over time.



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