We’ve all been there: standing on a scale, staring down at our feet in total disbelief, looking at the stupid number between our two sets of toes. Rarely do people step off the scale with a smile and then throw themselves a fiesta. Most times, even if you are losing weight, it’s still not enough, and you’re still not happy (You were expecting to lose 20lbs in one week huh?). So why even bother then?
As women, we obsess over our weight way too much. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to lose some weight and be healthier! Though there is something wrong with the way we go about doing it. Unless you’re a wrestler or boxer worried about your weight class, which I’m going to go ahead and say most of us aren’t, the number on the scale really doesn’t matter. I promise. Trust me when I say quitting your habit of weighing yourself every morning will make you a much happier human.
I understand why we all weigh ourselves; sometimes we just want to know where we are, but why does that tiny number matter? First of all, if you use the bathroom before you step on the scale, it’ll make a difference in the results. If you’re hydrated (which you should be), if you’re muscles have lactic acid build up – all of these factors throw in more possibilities to skew your results. On top of all of that, muscle weighs more than fat does. So you could be smaller than everyone you know and still weigh more because you’ve got more muscles on your bones. The number seriously doesn’t matter.
Here are some other ways to quantify your goals and to measure your results without even thinking of getting on a scale:
1. Take before and after pictures and save them. Take pictures at the end of every month. Yes, only once a month. I know it’s tempting to take one every day, but results really don’t happen that fast. Healthy weight loss is an average of 1-2lbs a week. After a month you’ll be able to see 8lbs results, but not after one week.
2. Make small and attainable goals. No – not having any carbs, or quitting coffee cold turkey are not good goals! You need something simpler than that: have a piece of fruit everyday, drink a tall glass of water before every meal, commit to hitting the gym 3-4 times a week. These goals will result in slow long-term weight loss – the kind you don’t gain back after simply smelling a doughnut.
3. Take it easy on yourself. Don’t go nuts right off the bat. Focus on the bigger picture. So what? You indulged in some ice cream today. It’s not a big deal.
4. Don’t go too easy on yourself. Building willpower can be one of the hardest things for most women. Think twice before skipping the gym. Be strong and motivated and you’ll see it transpire to the rest of your life too!
The most important thing to remember is that you truly are a beautiful person. It doesn’t matter what size jeans you wear as long as you’re healthy. Stay positive, motivated and make small and attainable goals (like taking a sledge hammer to your scale) and that’s what will make you successful.
Photo Credits:
OnForLife.com, HappyIsTheNewHealthyDotCom, Blogspot, Allwomens.re