If you have a history of yo-yo dieting, relying on the scale for motivation can easily backfire.
Let me explain.
If the scale number is higher than we hoped for, it can cause anxiety. And anxiety about our weight tends to send us beelining toward our “hidden” stash of Thin Mints.
On the other hand, that same higher than hoped for number can trigger calorie restriction or the elimination of foods/food groups (no more ice cream, no more carbs), thereby setting the stage for an inevitable binge.
Now if the number is lower than expected, it’s easy to justify a food “reward” or overeating.
“Woohoo, I lost 3 pounds, it’s cheesecake for dinner tonight!”
If any of these scenarios ring true, know that you’re not alone. In fact, you’re perfectly normal.
That said, maintaining your sanity and avoiding even more destructive yo-yoing might require tucking the scale away for a bit and focusing on alternative ways to track your progress.
Living a healthier life should not (I repeat) should NOT cause you anguish and anxiety. (If it does, perhaps it’s time to consider a new way. Let’s chat!)
Here are some alternative ideas for measuring progress:
- Are you drinking more water?
- Are you taking the stairs instead of the elevator?
- Do you feel more confident that you’ll make good food choices?
- Are you eating more fruits and veggies?
- Do you feel stronger? More resilient?
- Are you going to bed earlier? Sleeping better?
- Are you taking lunch to work vs ordering take out (or hitting the breakroom for donuts)?
- Are you loading up on healthier choices at the grocery store? Or skipping the chip aisle?
- Have you started eating one instead of two bowls of ice cream at night?
- Can you walk a little farther today than you could three months ago?
- Is your LDL cholesterol going down?
- Do your clothes fit better?
Remember – the scale is only ONE way to measure progress.
Take a minute to answer this question:
What are three things (other than the scale) that will tell you you’re moving closer to your health goal?
You’ll find that it’s so much easier to stay motivated if you can find small signs of everyday progress.
You never know where progress may be lurking. Keep an open mind, and hunt for it.
XO ~Robyn
I work with courageous + determined women who are ready to say goodbye to yo-yo dieting for good. We’ll use a sustainable, practice-based approach to build healthy habits into your life, one day at a time for an entire year.
The result? You’ll develop healthy habits that become second nature and last a lifetime. You’ll lose the weight (and inches) you haven’t been able to shed – for good.
If this resonates with you, CLICK HERE for details on how to work with me.