Do you step on the scale after a full week of “dieting” and end up disappointed?
Let’s face it, losing weight is hard. Starting new habits are hard. It takes a lot of discipline and consistency. With all of that said… losing weight should not be stressful or draining.
Finding ways to enjoy the fitness journey and the changes with your body should be a time of joy and education.
The scale is sabotaging my weight loss efforts.
The relationship with the scale makes me feel like I’m not doing enough. I’m also giving it too much power to set the tone of my day ad how I feel about myself.
Am I good enough?
Am I fat/skinny?
Am I eating too much?
Most of us have this magic number in our mind that if reach this weight we will be happy. I know I do, and I have had it in my mind for years.
The scale has been used many times as a way to measure my health and tell me my value. I’m breaking that habit or should I say breaking up with my scale.
3 Reasons to Ditch the Scale
Learn to Listen to Your Body
Stop and take a moment to feel how your body reacts to food, exercise, and rest. Doing this will shift you from thinking about a “diet” to thinking more intuitive. You will begin to find ways to move your body in ways that are healthy for you. You will know when you are hungry and what foods make you feel your best.
Mental Health
The scale can take your emotions on a rollercoaster. You can think that you are doing awesome that week and then you step on the scale. If you don’t get the results that you think it can be very discouraging. So even though you did everything as you planed that number on that scale changed how good you thought you did. It can make you self-sabotage.
Weight is not a health predictor
Weight is not the sole measurement of if someone is in good health. There are so many factors that need to be considered. The scale does not show how strong you are, if you can run a 5k, or swim a mile. It is not showing the quality of life you may have and all of the things that are important in it.
3 Ways to measure weight loss without a scale
Body measurements
You can take measurements using a measuring tape to track your progress. I like to measure my arms, thighs, and waist. I also use waist beads as a measurement. More information on waist beads here or shop here.
Progress Pictures
Try taking pictures weekly or monthly in the same place wearing the same thing. This is a good way to actually see the progress that is being made.
Trying on old clothes
That pair of pants that were tight and you had to jump to get in… Yes those. Try on those every week and see if you have made some progress.
Weight loss is a touchy subject for me and others. Being able to understand that it is not only about food and working out but it is also about mental health. That is why I am choosing to stop weighing myself and go by how I feel inside and out.
Let me know if this was helpful for you by leaving a comment below.
