Can you trust your scale?
So often we get caught up with the number on the scale as a direct indicator on how well our weight loss program is going. Is this number something that we can always trust though?
There are a number of other factors that could be much more accurate, or better indicators that your program is working for you. We may not always see a big drop on the number on the scale, but, we can pay attention to many other factors to determine the success of our weight loss program. We can track body fat percentage numbers, we can use a body scale or tape measure to get accurate numbers to track our circumference changes. We can track the way we look in a mirror, how our clothes fit, etc. One of the other, more important things we can track, is how we feel and what our mood and attitude might say about how well our program is working. Why do we use all these other units of measurement? Sometimes, the number on the scale can lie to us.
A perfect example of evidence as to how the scale may not be telling the truth, or the entire story, is my client Lexi. Lexi has been working hard with me for two months. Her hardwork has not really shown up on the scale, but you can see evidence of her dedication by her boost in confidence, the expression on her face from her beginning photos to her current photos, the inches lost around her waist and body, the way Lexi feels when looking in the mirror and the increase in exercises in different cardiovascular measurements as well as strength.
The left is the beginning photos, and the right is Lexi’s photos after only two months of training. Just notice the difference in her body composition, and also note how she is almost frowning in the before photos, and you can see the smile on her face in the two month photos. You get great visuals of the transformation being made, and the number on the scale has not been as reflective of the obvious change going on for Lexi. Would you believe me if I told you the scale has only shown on average a 5 pound loss? The lowest the scale has read was a 7 pound loss?
This just goes to show, you can not always trust your scale as the best source to show how effective your weight loss program is. There are so many other factors that can be much better indicators of how well your program is working for you, especially and most importantly, the way you feel, your happiness and the confidence that your program brings you!
What ways do you track and measure your success during your programs?