I aim to drink between 2 and 3 litres a day... I have a 1ltr Evian bottle which I just re-use, and have it with me at
all times... The idea is to create the 'Water Wheel' effect... sipping small amounts, and often, as if you were trying to keep a water wheel gently turning around...
There are 2 schools of thought as to whether you add the water used in food packs to your overall quota for the day... so I just aim for at least 2 litres from my bottle (Government guide lines say 2.25lts a day is recommended for an adult), and then anything on top from packs etc is a bonus! Some people benefit from having 3 or 4 litres a day, and it can assist their weight loss greatly... others can find it inhibits their losses... it's trial and error I'm afraid...
Regarding retaining water, basically, for your body to function at it's best, you need to be thoroughly hydrated... If your body isn't getting enough water, it'll retain what you
do have, which could leave you bloated, and in our case, not losing weight on the scales.
I found some interesting stuff on the internet which I saved a while back, as were curious about this myself when I started...
It might help explain a bit better:
"Water retention is more than uncomfortable bloating and swelling; it's a sign that the body is not functioning properly. It's also an indication that your body is transforming food into stored body fat. Water retention is your body asking for what it really needs.
Causes of Water Retention
Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., a registered dietician, notes that high sodium intake and certain health conditions are causes of water retention. Water retention is the body's misguided way of storing the water it needs for when it is not getting enough water.
Water and Weight Loss
Adequate hydration allows the body to relieve itself of stored water, leading to immediate water-weight loss. Hydration also aids in burning fat for even greater weight loss. When the kidneys are functioning properly, less work is demanded from the liver so it can metabolize calories, rather then turning them into stored fat. Zeratsky also recommends eating more fruits and vegetables for their water content. Drinking sufficient water first gets rid of water weight, then allows for regular weight loss to occur.
Diuretic Options
Diuretics are drugs or natural substances that cause the body to expel excess water. "Dandelion, ginger and juniper may have a diuretic effect," according to Zeratsky, but she warns that natural diuretics or supplements can be harmful, especially if you're taking other medications. Caffeine is a common ingredient in over-the-counter diuretics, but it can have negative effects on the heart. The absolute best and safest diuretic, according to a wide number of sources including Zeratsky, is plenty of water."
Hope that helps...
xx