Scale- One More Time.........

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Let's talk about the Scale again!

(Because I am learning something important!!)

I have been taught over the years how to deal with weight loss from many different sources. Some programs suggest that you weigh everyday. Some suggest you weigh once a week.  There are many other suggestions too like don't weigh yourself at all, but these two, daily vs weekly weigh-ins are the ones I want to touch on.

First, for me, I am learning that even though I know that the scale does not tell the whole story it is a vital part of my weight loss story.  However, I was finding myself being preoccupied with the scales results.  There have been some mornings that I jump up and run downstairs to weigh myself before I add even a drop of water into my mouth.  Or before the shower's water might stay in my hair and show more weight on the scale!  That is a little obsessive, I admit.  But hey that was the direction I was heading.  Scary!!

There were some mornings at 4am I would wake up and want to run to the scale, I only did it once, but I thought about it a half dozen times.  Usually I was disappointed in the scales' reading.  And that could have set me up for a day full of disastrous food choices!  But thank heavens, I didn't follow that path.  Much. LOL....

I made a discovery the other day, and then made a choice that was dependent on that information.  Yesterday, I did not obsess getting to the scale, in fact I nearly forgot to weigh in at all.  But I finally did.  I am choosing to weigh in nearly every day as a learning tool and useful knowledge to help my clients.  

I know that there will be some people that will obsess with the scale as I have done, and I will have information to help them through the rough spots.  I go down in weight, stay the same, gain a pound, go down a pound, stay the same, drop a pound and repeat the cycle over and over again.  It is NORMAL!!  The main thing is that I am consistent in my pattern.  

Start 8-22-10 = 275

9-20-10 = 256

19 Pounds lost

This is my discovery- I can feel better about my scale if we meet only one day a week!! (Sunday or Monday)  I see greater progression when I look at my weekly loss compared to the daily weights: up, down, the same. The information I gathered was that I am doing fine on the program.  In one month, I lost an amazing 19 pounds, to date I have dropped 21 pounds- 4.5 weeks. 

Start 8-22-10 = 275

Present 9-24-10 = 254

Lost 21 Pounds

As I was weighing myself each day, I felt like I was failing.  There was no significant weight loss.  I can not expect to see a pound or more every day, so I was feeling unsuccessful.  However as I approached the scale each day, I wanted to see big pound losses, even though it was not realistic.  But the bigger picture is seen over time, for me a weeks time and a months time. 

I am keeping two weigh loss graphs.  One on a daily basis for information to help others and the other on a weekly basis to actually keep track of my success.  My weekly graph is for me.  I might only keep the daily one for a bit longer as I have plenty of information to help others understand the ups and downs of the scale.  I have enough information to compare the readings and help others to understand that a weekly weigh in is better suited for a healthy lifestyle of the mind!

I have to brag, I just tried on a pair of shorts that were much too small for me to squeeze into and they now fit!  I am so elated.  I am finding that my clothes are getting quite loose and I am always hitching up my pants!  They are elastic waist, no belt loops.  I guess I will have to find them a new home and slip into my smaller sizes.  It feels good to be heading into the correct healthy body direction.  

I also tried on a skirt that was too small, it fits!  No elastic waist, has a zipper and fits just right. Maybe I will wear it Sunday, not sure, because I am finding lots of things I can wear again and I am going to have to choose!  What a dilemma! I don't want to wear nylons, so I probably won't wear the black skirt, yet.  I will wait until it gets a bit colder and then I'll put on the hose. Choices, Choices, Choices..........

It is good to have choices again.  Oh I know I always have had choices, but I chose to be unhealthy and it was a terrible choice.  Now that I feel more healthy, I feel more alive and feel like I can make the right choices in many things.  It is freeing!!!

So bottom line is to weigh yourself once a week.  Observe how your clothes are fitting, if they are getting tight, check with your scale for a second opinion.  If you need to cut back on your condiments, snacks or increase your exercise, do so.  If you are doing everything per plan and you are still having issues, call me and let's figure out what might be happening.  

If you are in maintenance, there are multitudes of things we can do to keep you on track. 

Stay in touch and ...........

Keep on Living the Good Life of Optimal Health!!

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