Can we talk about the scale? I know what you’re thinking, (insert eye roll) because I too have a love-hate relationship with the scale. Can you imagine that as a gift one of my husband’s employees once actually gave him a scale that talked??
For some people when you are on a weight loss or maintenance program the scale is a helpful and useful tool in keeping yourself on track and accountable. If that describes you then that’s great. But, for others the scale makes you feel as though the high school mean girl is whispering a little too loudly that you aren’t good enough for her crowd.
It’s very important to know which group you fall into because if the scale isn’t going to help you then you need to leave it to collect dust, in a dark corner. Instead, you can use a tape measure or even your clothes to indicate whether you are losing inches or not.
Let’s be honest, we know before anyone, or anything tells us when we have gone a little too far- or when we are doing great. Personally, I know I get out of bed a little lighter on my feet and actually look forward to stepping on the scale when I know I have been following a program and drinking the right amount of water. For me, going to bed with my stomach feeling a little empty is always better than going to bed on a full stomach.
To be successful on any weight loss program there are 3 key ingredients:
1. Drinking at least ½ your body’s weight in ounces of water daily hydrates your body and keeps everything flowing smoothly, not to mention it also helps cut down on hunger and cravings.
2. Tracking your food, and moods, in a Food Mood Journal. Writing down everything you eat for the day helps you remain mindful about those little, not so innocent, bites off someone else’s plate.
3. Moving your body. Getting up and exercising at least 30 minutes each day, even walking the dog or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, is important.
Once you are able to feel more comfortable that you are on the right track and you feel your clothes fitting better it should be safe to step on the scale if only to get a starting point.
I have learned to play mind games with myself. If I wait a few days or even a week until I feel my clothes getting a little looser and then get on the scale, I feel better because whatever that number is (and it’s not usually such a shock when I am honest about it) it means it was something greater than that before. Progress not perfection is the key. Some people use the scale as a tool weekly to keep themselves on track. Others prefer to weigh themselves each morning. It’s important, and certainly easier said than done, but you should TRY not to let the scale dictate your mood. Whatever happened before you stepped on that scale is history- you are in control of what happens from today on.
If you would like to learn more about how I can help you Feel Better In Your Body, I invite you to sign up for my email list and join my Facebook Group.
Yours In Good Health,
