The scale can be a great tool when it comes to tracking progress. However the relationship with the number can become an unhealthy one. Regardless of how often or when you weigh yourself, if your relationship with the scales starts to take an unhealthy turn, don’t get discouraged. Rather than let that number upset you, know that there are more and less ideal times to weigh yourself.
It’s common to start relating your happiness and even worth, to the number that’s staring back at you. But before I go any further, I want to tell you that a number does NOT define you. You were incredibly, uniquely made and that is what’s most important.
STOP Obsessing over the Scale
Are you one of those people that obsesses over the number on the scale?
Do you weigh yourself almost daily – or even more than once a day – hoping that each time you step on, the number will go down?
While it’s good to check in from time to time, obsessing over the number isn’t healthy…nor is this number always an accurate reflection of your fitness level or health.
You are so much more than just a number. Celebrate who you are, flaws and all. So the first step is understanding that YOUR worth IS NOT defined by some stupid battery powered device that hides in your bathroom.
Set an Increment by which you Weigh Yourself
While you don’t want to become obsessed with weighing yourself, you also don’t want to get on the scale willy-nilly.
If you don’t check in periodically, you could find yourself stepping on the scale one day wondering, “How did I gain 10 pounds?” You need to monitor whether or not there is an upward or downward trend in your weight.
So, set a time increment. Typically, once per week works just great!
But if you do end up weighing yourself once a day, be OK with the fact that your weight may fluctuate 2-4 pounds from day to day depending on a number of things… (See below)
Know your weight can fluctuate 2-4 pounds from day to day.
There are so many things that can affect your weight: where you are in your cycle, the amount of salt in your diet, when you had your last meal, when you had your last bowel movement, and even the rotation of the earth (believe it or not)! So if you step on the scale, and you’re 4, even 5 pounds heavier than the day before, don’t freak out!
Make sure the number you’re striving for is realistic.
Too often, people get a number stuck in their head that they think they should weigh, and they obsess over it. Maybe it was a number at which they felt comfortable in their own skin. However, based on a variety of things, it may no longer be healthy or realistic for their body type.
Bottom line is, don’t judge yourself based on the number on the scale. Keep sticking to those healthy habits and don’t obsess over your weight. Know that your worth is based on who you are as a person, not whether or not you can see your abs.
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