For many women, it’s been driven home that the number on the scale defines whether or not they are overweight. It can even change how we feel about ourselves if the number is not what we expected on the scale. Despite what you have been told, you should not be defined by your weight, especially if you are noticing a difference and losing inches on your body. If the results are showing, do the numbers on the scale really matter at this point?
MUST READ: You Think You Know but You Have No Idea: Why You Should Think Twice About Waist Training
When it comes to determining which is better, losing inches is a better sign to dictate whether or not you are losing body fat. If you are eating properly, with a diet filled with lean protein, nutrient dense foots, and good fats and exercising on a regular basis, you will notice a change in your body. You may notice your clothes fitting looser or your skin getting tighter. However there are many women who will disregard all the results they’ve achieved only to stay fixated on the number showing up on the scale.
These positive results should not be discounted because the number on the scale may not match how you are feeling. You must realize that weight can fluctuate because of many factors. Water weight, your menstrual period, bloating, and even lack of sleep can cause your weight to go up. A scale does not discriminate and measures everything. It is also not an indication of how healthy you are as a person. You can be considered a “skinny person” but still be unhealthy because you have high levels of body fat. Also, muscle is much denser than fat and weighs more. You may notice a difference in composition in your body even though the number on the scale hasn’t budged. This is because you are gaining muscle while losing your body fat.
Now, the scale is not something that should be rendered completely useless, but it shouldn’t be considered the best tool to document your weight loss, especially if you are just starting your weight loss journey. You can record your weight in intervals, but you should not obsess about the number every week. Doing this can cause you to become unmotivated and derail all the progress you’ve achieved.
To measure your success, you should go by the measurements of your body. Take your measurements on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to see your progress. Other ways to track your success is to get an accurate reading of your body fat. Many health clubs or gyms can do this for you or you can calculate it online yourself. Another way to make sure to not focus on the numbers on the scales is to set mini fitness or health goals for yourself. These goals give you a focus to improve your body and mind and build grit and heart.
It may take a while to change your view on the scale. If you find yourself constantly determining your based on your weight, it’s time to remove that scale from your home. Don’t bring the scale back until you know that the number on the scale does not make or break you. If you look and feel great, then that’s all that matters.
