Hiding the Scale

Typically one of the first things I do in the morning is step on the scale. Weighing yourself 1x per day can be a good thing, but it can also develop into an unhealthy or even obsessive habit if we aren't careful. Health professionals convey varying opinions on this particular topic. Most agree on two main points:

• For those working towards WEIGHT LOSS, it is  best to weigh in weekly as weight fluctuates anywhere from 1-5 pounds throughout the day. Weighing oneself daily may cause the person to become discouraged because of water weight or some other factor.
• For those trying to MAINTAIN their weight, it is widely recommended to weigh in as often as once per day in order to stay on track. If you notice a couple pound gain one day, you are able to adjust your diet or exercise right away in order to avoid getting too far off track.

I think that both of these points are valid and certainly work for some people but not everyone. Recently, I have felt myself obsessing over the scale. I will weigh myself at the same time every morning, but when I don't like what I see I will go back and weigh myself after I've worked out or later that evening. OR, I like the number I see, and I go back to check throughout the day to make sure I wasn't imagining things. Crazy right??? Every morning this number is literally determining my mood for the day, which is absolutely insane!

So for me personally, I have realized that I am relying way too much on the scale. And, I think it's a problem many people face. Although weight is one of the main determinants of health, there are other ways to help ourselves stay on track without all the mood swings!  So three days ago, I made the decision that I am boycotting the scale for one entire month. Now, for those of you who weigh yourself often, you know how hard this can  be. I know that I have been too caught up in that number though and I truly think it is part of what is holding me back from reaching my personal goals. 

So what should we focus on? The biggest piece of advice I give my clients and am now trying to do myself, is pay attention to how your clothes fit, rather than the scale. If they are fitting differently than they were before, tighter or looser, you know you need to adjust your lifestyle and dietary habits one way or the other. Put the scale away, and focus on exercising regularly and eating whole, nutritious foods. 

Last night I got very tempted to check my weight so Zachary took the scale from me and has since hidden it or taken it home with him, I'm not sure. All I know, is I'm lucky to have the support and encouragement! Although it makes me a little anxious not knowing, it has certainly been less stressful overall.

How do you monitor your weight? What has/hasn't worked for you?