Things Everyone Should Consider Prior To Trying To Lose Weight: There’s A Million Reasons Why The Scale Isn’t Showing A Loss

I can remember when I was trying to lose weight when I was a freshman in college (before I gave up), I would weigh myself everyday. At the time, this was a BIG mistake because I’d get discouraged the second I didn’t see movement on the scale after eating “healthy” and working out the day before. Eating healthy to me at the time was staying within my calorie ranges (probably 1200-1500). It didn’t matter to me what I was eating. Hence why I was eating Lean Cuisines like three times a day and thinking I was doing well. Of course I had a sodium bloat and of course the scale didn’t show movement…so I’d give up. Ahh..if I had only realized that instant gratification isn’t something we should tie to weight loss (or Lean Cuisines…haha).

The first thing you need to keep in mind is that the scale isn’t always going to show a loss. Just because you are working hard doesn’t mean the scale will immediately show that. I will tell you that if you DO keep on working at it, you WILL eventually see results. Do NOT give up because you aren’t instantly seeing results or your results start to taper off in comparison to how much you were losing when you first started. All the people who are successful are able to forget about the scale because there are so many factors that contribute to the number that shows up on it.

Here are just SOME things that make what the scale says completely inaccurate:

1. Water retention (from sodium, upcoming period, not getting enough water, etc.) – At any given time, your body can be holding onto a couple pounds of water because of these reasons. Believe it or not, the more water you drink, the less you retain (your body knows it can depend on a consistent supply of water if you are supplying it with it regularly so it doesn’t hold onto it). Sodium causes water retention, as well as (obviously) that time of the month. Watch your sodium, drink your water, and be mindful of when your period is coming. This will help you understand why you’re a couple pounds heavier during certain times (and prevent you from getting discouraged by it).

2. The time of day it is – I suggest weighing yourself first thing when you get up in the morning, weight fluctuates up to five pounds in a single day. You should always be weighing yourself at the same time so you can get the most accurate reading. I say first thing in the morning because your food is usually digested. Use the bathroom if you need to go beforehand, because that will obviously make a difference as well.

3. If all your food is digested – Extra food in your stomach does have weight to it, so keep this in mind if you ate a ton before bed and are weighing yourself in the morning. Many times food doesn’t completely digest.

4. If you have gone to the bathroom – Your bowel movements (and urination) do make a difference in how much you are going to weigh in at as well. If you are aiming to lose 1-2 pounds a week, that half of a pound can make a real big difference in your weigh in. Make sure that you have done these things before weighing in so you can get the most encouraging weekly weigh-in.

5. The fact that everyone’s body is different – Some people won’t show a loss all week after eating healthy, but will drop two pounds overnight. Some people show a steady weight loss all week. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter…your continual healthy choices WILL make a difference eventually…so just keep on keeping on!

6. You are weighing on a different scale – Stick with the same scale for your weigh-ins…scales aren’t going to all be perfect and you are just going to confuse yourself if you use different scales to weigh in on. Pick one and stick with it.

Just forget about the scale…there’s so many different ways to measure your progress. I would start by taking measurements of your waist, thighs, arms, bust, etc. and checking your progress every two weeks. That way if you are gaining muscle and losing fat, you won’t get so discouraged. If you continue to have problems with the scale…toss it! Stop using it (or use it once a month). You will also be able to tell you have lost weight by how your clothes fit (or if your rings are getting looser). Trust me, if you are having issues with the scale..then forget about it! Stop weighing in! At least until you get your healthy lifestyle habits perfected a bit more and you know you won’t stop just because of what the scale says.