Water retaining carbs

Hello,

I'm retaining a lot of water in my midsection and was wondering if there are certain carbs that are not as water retaining. Thanks in advance for your help! :)

-SmallLady

All carbs will store water bound to glycogen...fibrous carbs ie most veggies will store much less because the carb content is much less. Most women should not be eating starchy carbs.
P

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Originally Posted by Praetorian

All carbs will store water bound to glycogen...fibrous carbs ie most veggies will store much less because the carb content is much less. Most women should not be eating starchy carbs.
P

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Really?...I was eating sweet potato for my carbs. Is there something better?

Sweet potato is a starch and will cause water retention....for every gram of glycogen you store it attracts about three grams of water...if you are dieting then fibrous veggies are much better...even off season most women do not need any starches and can do quite well with some fruits and fibrous carbs.
P

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Originally Posted by Praetorian

Sweet potato is a starch and will cause water retention....for every gram of glycogen you store it attracts about three grams of water...if you are dieting then fibrous veggies are much better...even off season most women do not need any starches and can do quite well with some fruits and fibrous carbs.
P

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Oh dear...I was getting my carbs from a grapefruit, 200 g of sweet potato, and 1.5 cups of brocoli/asparagus/Brussels sprouts. I guess I'll have to make some major adjustments.

This is going to be a grueling 3 weeks...

Thank you for your help, Praetorian. :)

I see nothing wrong with the choices you are eating. I eat the same as well as some female clients eat those exact same foods and never an issue retaining water or losing weight.

Sorry to say this but you are more than likely holding fat not water.

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Originally Posted by sean summers

sorry to say this but you are more than likely holding fat not water.

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yuuuup !

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Originally Posted by Sean Summers

Sorry to say this but you are more than likely holding fat not water.

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Agreed...but there could be many reasons not just carb intake why you might be retaining water or even storing excess fat that is not warranted from your diet. We work with many women clients with hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, PCOS etc...it may not be that simple.
P

Thanks for all the input guys!

I do concur that I likely have some fat to lose. My competition weight at my last figure show in Novemeber was 117 lbs and I am sitting at 127 lbs now. When I did that show, I still had a pretty soft middle and was hoping to come in better conditioned within the next three weeks. Am I being unrealistic? I've increased my cardio to 2 hours a day and drink between 5-6 litres of water a day, on average. My arms, back, and legs are pretty good and the symmetry is at near perfection, but I was hoping for more defined abdominals.

Thank you, again, for all the advice; it is very much appreciated.

- SmallLady