Taming the Scale. How to Make This Fitness Tool Your Friend, Not Your Foe
Let's be honest, the scale can be a bit of a love-hate relationship. One minute it's your best friend, showing you those hard-earned results, and the next, it's your worst enemy, leaving you feeling frustrated and discouraged. But here's the thing: the scale is just a tool, and like any tool, it's all about how you use it.
Ditch the Daily Drama
First things first, let's ditch the daily weigh-in drama. Your weight naturally fluctuates throughout the day due to factors like hydration, food intake, and even stress. Those daily ups and downs don't reflect your true progress, so don't let them dictate your mood.
Embrace the Weekly Average
Instead of obsessing over daily numbers, shift your focus to weekly averages. Weigh yourself consistently (like first thing in the morning after using the bathroom) and calculate your average weight at the end of the week. This gives you a more accurate picture of your overall trend, smoothing out those daily fluctuations.
Track the Trend, Not Just the Number
Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on the long-term trend over weeks and months, not just day-to-day changes. Are you generally moving in the direction of your goals? That's what truly matters. Consider plotting your weekly averages on a graph to visualise your progress and stay motivated.
The Bigger Picture
The scale is just one piece of the puzzle. How your clothes fit, how you feel, your energy levels, and other health markers like blood pressure or cholesterol are also important indicators of your well-being. Celebrate those non-scale victories! Hitting a personal best in the gym, making healthier food choices, or simply feeling more vibrant and energetic are all wins worth celebrating.
When to Take a Step Back
If you find the scale is causing stress or becoming an obsession, it's okay to take a break. Focus on how you feel, your overall health, and how you're performing in your workouts. Remember, your worth is not defined by a number.
Need help navigating the scale and creating a healthy relationship with this fitness tool? Reach out and let's work together to make the scale your ally on your journey to a healthier, happier you.