How do you know if you have water retention ?

Hi! So ive been dieting for a few months now, but my weight isint really budging, ive been counting calories as well as excecising and my friend told me a cause could be because of water retention, so i started drinking around 10 cups of water a day but im not seeing a difference in my weight, i know i have gotten a bit thinner but not too much, so my question is if i do have water weight, how do i know? and How do i get rid of it... i know the first couple of punds should come off easily because of water weight but thats not happening with me. and im not dehydrated ( i can tell from my pee im 5"2 and 155 thank you for all the answers!

How to Lose Weight Lifting Weight

Recommended Answer:

You need to drink enough water until your urine is virtually clear...that's when you know you are well hydrated and probably not retaining excess water/fluid (other than around your the time for your period)...Avoid foods high in sodium (which includes many processed foods) and avoid adding salt to the foods you eat...eating a lot of salt/sodium causes the body to retain fluid...Your calories should be around 1500/day...I wouldn't recommend going lower than 1300/day....eat clean if you can (which means avoid processed foods)...you can look up clean eating online for more information...70 - 80% of your weight loss will be due to your eating...You didn't say what you consider "dieting" to be, but diets are only a short term fix anyway...to lose fat and keep it off, you have to make a lifestyle change (permanent) not just go on a diet for a few weeks or months...Exercise...what kind of exercise have you been doing?? Again, you didn't share that so we can't comment on how helpful it might be...you should shoot for at least 1 hr of exercise a day, at least 5 days a week...cardio for fat burning, and some strength training to build/tone muscle for a faster metabolism and firm body...

Other Answers:

• I'm not sure your age, but if you get a period thats usually a good cause of water retention. Pants and under garments feeling tighter around the waist is another good sign. If you notice anywhere like your legs or ankles or knees looking a bit swollen, especially near the end of the day, try to press anywhere that looks puffy and if theres a slight indent still after 5 seconds, you're most likely retaining water. They sell over the counter meds for it at most drug stores and walmart.
• If the rings that usually fit well, won't go over your finger joint, it might be due to water retention.