Have you found that your skin is looser after losing weight? It’s a common problem for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Skin elasticity isn’t the same as it used to be, and this can lead to loose skin on the belly, arms, thighs and face. I have personally gone through this before and I wish I knew then what I know now. 🙂

This post will give you some tips about how to avoid this issue so that you don’t have any extra work cut out for you when it comes time to look great in those summer clothes!

The first thing to think about is that looser skin isn’t always permanent. It’s easy to become discouraged, but if you work on your weight loss slowly and strategically, this problem can be avoided. Staying hydrated is one of the biggest contributors to skin elasticity, so drink lots of water! Hydration is especially important when you are exercising. Additionally, hydration is important for your overall health and wellness too. The general rule is to consume half your body weight in ounces, daily.

Water consumption is especially important and should be increased during:

• Warm weather or exercise to account for increased perspiration
• Pregnancy due to increased blood volume
• Breastfeeding to help milk production
• Times of illness to replenish fluids lost through diarrhea, vomiting or fever
• Excess consumption of caffeine, sugar or salt: For example, 8 oz. of coffee should be offset with an extra 8 oz. of water to negate the diuretic effect

Strength training is another great way to keep your skin looking tight even after the weight loss process. Muscle takes up less space than fat, and it will help keep your body looking tight and firm instead of floppy and saggy. You can do both cardio exercises like running or biking or walking, as well as lifting weights to help build muscle. There are different varieties of strength training available, such as: Resistance training; Static training and Bodyweight training.

Getting into a routine of strength training exercises can help you maintain muscle mass that keeps your body strong. Strength training also helps increase blood flow throughout your body which will improve all areas, including your skin’s appearance! To really see results, you should aim for two or three sessions per week.

In addition to staying hydrated and building muscle, you also want to make sure that you are eating a balanced diet. Eating healthy fats, fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and lean proteins is a great way to stay healthy, as well as keep your skin looking healthy and tight. Avoid processed foods as much as possible – these tend to be high in sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats which can all lead to weight gain and loose skin.

Losing weight slowly is another key factor in avoiding saggy skin. Crash dieting or fasting can cause your body to lose muscle mass as well as water weight, which will lead to a decrease in skin elasticity. And it can also be harmful to your overall health. When you lose weight too quickly, the collagen that helps keep your skin firm begins to break down, which can cause skin to droop. By losing weight slowly and steadily, you are more likely to lose fat rather than muscle, preserving the elasticity of your skin. Aim for losing one or two pounds per week at the most, which will give your skin time to adjust, and so that you don’t have any unexpected loose skin after your weight loss!

If you follow these tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, happy, and confident you – with tight skin to show off! 🙂

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