0 It's Not About The Scale!

Contrary to popular diet programs and television shows, I must contest: it's not about the scale! I meet many people on a daily basis frustrated by the number that shows under their feet first thing in the morning... or in the middle of the day... or at night... or all of the above. But allow me to challenge you with an obvious question: who knows how much you weigh besides you? As much as the number may plague you, I have yet to see anyone with their weight stamped on their foreheads. So why are we so focused on that number?

Here is the issue as I see it: popular diet programs and television shows have led society to believe that if you combine A (exercise) and B (eating healthy) you will inevitably get C (weight loss) and if you're not getting C, well, you must not be working hard enough. It's easy for us to wrap our minds around formulas but it's so much more complicated than that. There are far too many other factors at play for me to even list as to why you cannot take a formula and apply it to a body. What's more important is how we can change that approach.

Here is what I would suggest: get rid of the scale (or use it infrequently) and get out the measuring tape. Measure yourself no more than every 4-6 weeks and make sure it's in the same area each time. I usually measure my clients in 4 places: the smallest part of the waist, the largest part of the hips, the largest part of the right leg, and the middle portion of the upper right arm. What you will see from measurements is body composition change, ie, fat loss and muscle gain.

Another way to track your progress is to find a piece of clothing that is too tight, hang it somewhere that you see it every day, and try it on weekly or bi-weekly. You could also use photo tracking. Take a photo of yourself from several angles wearing the same outfit in the same positions every 4-6 weeks. The mirror can be deceptive but photos don't lie!
In conclusion, as Americans we need to stop letting the number on the scale affect our moods and self-esteem. As you lose fat and re-shape your body, the number on the scale will certainly move, though it will likely be much slower than you would like, but that means little about your progress. The results you will see in the way your clothes fit and the way you feel surpass anything the self-defeating scale habit can give you. Start looking at yourself for the slimming in your waist, the shaping of your arms, the lifting of your butt, and the valiant effort you put into your well-being and turn your health program into a consistently positive experience!

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