What kind of a “scale” person would you say you are? Do you weigh yourself every morning? Every evening? Both? Or do you weigh yourself weekly, monthly…or yearly? Or are you like a lot of folks who’d rather not know?
I fall into the first category. I admit it—I weigh myself twice a day usually—once in the morning and once in the evening. I do this for a few reasons, namely so that I know where I’m at for the day. I don’t want to be a person who wakes up one day realizing I’ve gained numerous pounds. I’d rather see the problem before it starts and meet it head on.
Experts are all over the board about how often you should weigh yourself. Some suggest a daily weigh-in. Others say that’s too upsetting because water retention can make weight go up and down by as much as five pounds. Because of this, some experts recommend weighing yourself once a week.
When getting started on a weight loss plan, it’s important to know your starting weight. That doesn’t mean all weight loss successes and failures should be measured by the scale, but as with any battle, you’ve got to know what you’re facing before you can devise a plan for change.
A trainer on The Oprah Winfrey Show once recommended that people not weigh themselves for 1-3 months after starting a weight loss plan, to discourage the “let down” often felt when the scale doesn’t move as quickly as you’d like. This seemed extreme to me. Sometimes my scale feels like a third arm. Without it, I’m always wondering if my pants will button in the morning…
How often do you weigh yourself? Do you see the scale as an integral part of your weight loss plan? For me, the scale is just one of many tools used to help keep track of progress. It’s a little like Aunt Ida, giving you a friendly nudge in the morning to make the right choices. For me, the scale keeps me honest.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Check out this article:
Why I am Thankful for my FAT