Weight management, body image, healthy lifestyle, getting rid of reliance on weighing scales, self-acceptance
Hey friends! Have you ever felt that your bathroom scale has become more of a source of stress than a helpful tool? I sure have, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one. It’s time we had an honest chat about that little rectangular device that often holds way too much power over our self – esteem.
I’ll be the first to admit, I used to be obsessed with my weight. I’d step on the scale three times a day – every morning when I woke up, right after my workout, and even before going to bed. Looking back, I realize I was basically turning self – torture into a daily routine. 🤦♀️
The truth is, our body weight is far from a reliable indicator of our health or progress. It’s as unpredictable as the weather. One day, you might step on the scale and see a 2 – pound drop, feeling on top of the world. But then, out of nowhere, you gain 3 pounds the next day, maybe just because you enjoyed a bowl of salty ramen the night before. It can be so frustrating!
There are so many reasons why our weight fluctuates:
- Drinking a bit more water than usual (or a lot more!)
- That time of the month when bloating is inevitable
- Having an intense workout session, which can cause your muscles to retain water
- Okay, maybe not really because Mercury is in retrograde, but you get the idea!
So, how often should you actually weigh yourself? Well, there’s no one – size – fits – all answer. Let’s take a closer look at the options:
Daily Weigh – ins
This approach might work for some people. If numbers don’t get to you, you can keep the bigger picture in mind, and normal weight fluctuations don’t bother you, then daily weigh – ins could be okay. But if a 0.5 – pound gain sends you into a spiral of negative thoughts and self – doubt, it’s probably not the best choice for you.
Weekly Check – ins
For a lot of folks, this is the sweet spot. Weighing yourself once a week means fewer emotional ups and downs. It gives you a better chance to spot actual trends in your weight rather than getting caught up in daily changes. And here’s a tip: pick a specific day and time, like every Monday morning before you have your coffee. For some reason, we always seem to weigh a little less at that time!
The “Whenever I Remember” Approach
Some people are living their best lives by only weighing themselves occasionally. Maybe when their clothes start to feel looser or tighter, during a doctor’s visit, or just when they’re curious about how their body is doing. There’s nothing wrong with this laid – back approach!
And believe it or not, you don’t even need a scale at all! Shocking, I know.
There are so many better ways to track your progress and measure your health:
- How well your clothes fit. Feeling those jeans loosen up? That’s a win!
- Your energy levels. Are you feeling more vibrant and ready to take on the day?
- Sleep quality. Waking up refreshed and well – rested is a great sign.
- Strength gains. Being able to lift more weights or do more reps at the gym is something to be proud of.
- How easily you can climb stairs without getting out of breath.
It’s time to change our relationship with numbers on the scale. Here’s what I encourage you to do:
- Stop letting a number define your worth. You are so much more than what the scale says.
- Pay attention to how different habits and behaviors make you feel. Does that morning jog leave you feeling amazing? Focus on that!
- Instead of fixating on your weight, think about what your body can do. Can you run a little faster? Do a few more push – ups? Those are the real achievements.
- Set non – scale victories (NSVs) that are meaningful to you. Maybe it’s finally being able to do a yoga pose you’ve been working on or cooking a healthy meal from scratch.
At the end of the day, I understand why the scale seems like an important measure of our progress. But your value isn’t determined by pounds or kilograms, and your health journey isn’t just about numbers. Whether you choose to weigh yourself daily, weekly, or ditch the scale altogether, the most important thing is what makes you feel good mentally and physically.
