Why You Shouldn't Really Worry About the Scale
By Genevieve Cunningham
There's nothing worse than working toward a weight loss goal only to step on the scale and see absolutely nothing change. It's so discouraging! Of course, this is the way most people who are on a weight loss journey operate. We use the scale as a guide. But is it a good idea? Is the scale truly the best guide for our success? Or are we causing ourselves unnecessary stress and worry? Most of the time, the real answer is that you can throw your scale in the trash! While it can help some people stay on track, the scale often does more harm than good. If you've been stressing over numbers on a scale, take a look at why you really shouldn't worry about your scale during your weight loss endeavor.
Because Every Other Number Counts More
It's true that most of us begin our journey because of the number on the scale, but the numbers that are really important are everything else. How's your blood pressure? Blood sugar? Cholesterol? And then there are the things that can't be measured with numbers. How is your mental clarity? Self-esteem? We think of the scale as a magical tool, but if you're really trying to lose weight and get healthy, it's the other health related numbers that give you a better picture of overall health.
Because It Can Be Discouraging
Here's something that you should really think about before you step on the scale: If the number hasn't changed, are you going to be discouraged? If the answer is yes, don't do it. One discouraging number can completely derail your progress. And progress doesn't always work in a perfectly linear fashion. Just because your weight is up right now doesn't mean it will be that way in the morning. Don't set yourself up for discouragement. Avoid that feeling by avoiding the scale.
Because It's So Incredibly Individual
Weight is so funny. It's so individual, and if we don't understand that, then we can get really confused. Height, body composition, season of life, time of day, time of year, and a million other factors can affect your weight. And two people who look similar may not weigh the same at all. If you're not OK with your weight being extremely specific to you, don't bother with it.
It's OK if you want to know what you weight. It's even OK to use it as a weight loss guide. But don't let it make or break you. Use it for what it is -- a tool. Don't put all your hopes and dreams for better health into your scale. Find other ways to measure progress, and you'll probably see that you're actually moving toward better health at a brisk pace.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Little Rock, Ark.