I promised a friend I would write my first post just for her, but I think this concept needs to be heard by many. The idea that the scale is your enemy is nothing new, but here is my perspective.
Firstly, when you weigh yourself, what do you intend to do with the number your scale registers? Most hold their breath in hopes that the number is smaller than the last time, but what happens when it’s not? From my own experience, I feel self pity. I reflect on my decisions and think maybe I didn’t burn enough calories, I ate too much, or I didn’t eat the right food, and the list goes on. When we enter a spiral of thoughts such as these, we all end up in the same place thinking what is the point? It’s a recipe for self-doubt and discouragement. Do not do this to yourself!
Your mindset is one of the most important elements to your fitness journey. Your body weight is a number that only you (and maybe your doctor) have to know. It isn’t written on your forehead, and it’s not a credit score. So why on Earth do we place so much emphasis on it when the majority of the time, it is counterproductive to the mindset we need to stay motivated.
Women, specifically, have a bigger struggle with body weight than men. Our hormones change every single day which has a direct effect on our body weight. Depending on where you are in your cycle, your body could be storing more water than other days. Men, on the other hand, have consistent hormones after puberty, and therefore, a more consistent body weight.
What’s more is that your weight changes throughout a single day depending on how much water you’ve drank, what and how much you’ve eaten, and even what you’re wearing. This is why it is encouraged by most to you weigh yourself first thing in the morning because you’ve been fasting all night. Hey, if you don’t believe me, see for yourself by weighing in every hour on a day that you are doing everything right.
Healthier and less discouraging ways to track your progress are to:
- Take measurements of your waist, chest, thighs, and arms
- Pay attention to how your clothes fit, but also keep in mind where you are in your menstrual cycle (you could be bloated, and that’s temporary!)
- Notice how you’re feeling during your physical activities
- Track your food (okay, this is hard for me, too, but I’m working on it)
Just remember that above all, you have to keep a positive mind. Do not let any type of measurement discourage you because it is just data. Detach your emotions from that data and just use it to make better choices next time. Measurements are just feedback, and feedback is meant to help you make appropriate choices as you move forward. It is not always a reflection of your effort.
