foods that promote water loss for temporary weight loss

[dcola17]

i am a college wrestler that has to lose water weight before competition. 1 to 2 days before competition i am trying to lose around 5 to 6 lbs of water.  what foods are best to eat during the overeating phase that will allow me to not retain water and gain weight? the weight loss is temporary and i have practiced it for years. what foods may give me energy the next day while losing water weight?

DC

[Dani Ani]

There are essentially two main things that help stop water retention. Ironically, the first of these is drinking more water. Water retention is common when we are dehydrated or low on water. The body tends toward conserving water, and will retain a bit in order to keep us hydrated. I have lost a lot of water weight by drinking almost a gallon of water a day!

The other thing that can help stop water retention is minimizing extra sodium in the diet. Processed and packaged foods are loaded with sodium and salt. Eat really clean, whole foods (fruits, veggies) and minimize consumption of processed food.

[Theo]

I realise that it's already over but some points for the future if they're of any value to you.

To lose the water you have to dehydrate yourself, depends on your weight and body fat as to whether you can accomplish this.

The biggest things you can do is cut carbohydrate and cut water. They both add weight to your body.

Diuretics may not be allowed, I don't know if you'd get tested for them.

Easily obtainable substances to dehydrate yourself are alcohol and coffee, I hear some bodybuilders have been known to get hammered the night prior to the competition for that reason, I couldn't confirm that for you though. What i WOULD advise would be to stop eating carbohydrates and stop using creatine 2-3 days before the event and stop drinking water the night before, get some whisky or bourbon and have some fun. You'll wake up with a headache, weigh yourself and assess your health. If you're still too heavy and feel okay then you've got a run and an excuse to drink in the morning lol

A few points-
                  -Don't get stupid with it, dehydration is serious business. You can die.
                  -Don't aim for more than 4-5% weight loss through water. 5% loss represents severe dehydration.
                  -Cut carbs, they make a difference because glycogen and insulin both cause you to hold water, lol and not dangerous!
                  -You can experiment with sodium but i've no experience with which to advise you.  Unlikely to make a difference though
                 
Finally if the weigh-in is just before the match... don't even bother. If you think you'll do well with moderate-severe hydration and little glycogen you're mistaken. You'll be light-headed, weak and have terrible stamina. The protocol is only beneficial before the event. You could easily gain the weight back in a few hours and compete well after replenishing water and glycogen but if they weigh immediately before the fight, just forfeit. Better than getting your ass handed to you passing out and ending up in A&E.

I don't know if there's any truth to what daniani said in the long term but it won't work in the short term, which is what we're concerned with in rapid weigh loss.

Hope this helps.

Theo

D: I do not advise depriving yourself of water or drinking excessively.

[kellijonez]

Water is the best remedy to lose weight.