Weight a Minute...

A number on the scale - that's all it is, yet it has the ability to make many feel either good or bad.  It is been given the power to dictate success or failure, a positive or negative outlook, or whether or not you wear your tight jeans or elastic waist band sweats.  Why do so many people let a number, (one that is often inaccurate and highly influenced by MANY factors), rule their lives?  And how important is it, really?

I often have clients that INSIST on weighing themselves - some check in once or twice a week others every single day.  Now, I HIGHLY discourage this practice, but it's one battle that I just can't win.  Now I'm going to go on a rant about how annoying it is when these individuals email, call or text me to say they either lost or gained half a pound or a pound overnight and how the 'plan' isn't working and something needs to change.  This is so frustrating!!  I explain how it is next to impossible to gain one "real" pound overnight.  This requires an additional 3500 calories above what the body needs to function and sustain activity.  So let's say your body needs 2200 calories just to maintain itself.  This would mean that you would need to eat 5700 calories in one day in order to gain one pound of 'real' weight.  And while it's not impossible - it's highly unlikely.  Additionally, the number on the scale is dependent on many factors - hydration level, sodium intake, GI contents, last meal, time of day, week or month...  Taking all that into consideration, is it the best measure to use in deciding whether or not something is working on a day-to-day basis?

Results are what everyone wants - and they want them FAST.  Unfortunately overnight or in 3 days - there aren't going to be any miraculous changes.  These things take time and there are better ways to measure results than the number on a scale.  Ask yourself - how are my clothes fitting, what has my workout performance been like, how do I feel, how much energy do I have?  These things are all far more accurate measures of how you are really doing!  And, the number on the scale will change for good over time - not overnight...

Are you letting the number on the scale run your life?  Is it worth it?  I challenge you to put the scale away for  AT LEAST a week or two.  Focus on the important things, eat well, workout smart and be happy.  Be mindful of how you feel, how your workouts are going, etc. and make adjustments to your diet accordingly.  Your mind, body, friends, family, co-workers, trainer, dietitian, etc. will thank you for not being obsessed with a number.  Are you up to the challenge?  Remember, when your "no weight" trial is up you can always go back to the old way, but it's highly likely you won't want or need to!

Comments...