Discouragement @ The Scales

[HealthQuest 1]

This has always been my problem, whenever I get on the scale and the numbers are not what I'm expecting, I go on an eating binge. Well, it hasn't failed. I've done it again. So now I've vowed to never get on the scale again. Maybe at the doctor's office, but that's it.:embarassed:

[Nathalie 4]

HealthQuest -

That scale is not your friend. I know, because I get on mine darn near every day, and when I step off I am scowling. I weigh more right now today than I did 4 days ago when I went in for my band. WTF? I haven't eaten more than 300 calories per day since then, and I'm exercising, drinking Water, etc. So the scale is BUNK. Tomorrow I am putting mine away. No, seriously - it's going in the back of the closet, because that thing is driving me bananas!

You need to get yourself a tape measure. Measure and record all kinds of body parts. Neck, chest, ribs, waist, hips, upper arms, fore arms, thighs, calves, ankles. Measure away. And record the measurements. THEN go back 2 weeks later and re-measure.

The scale has betrayed me, but that tape measure? I kissed it when I finished measuring my thighs. I have lost 1.5" on each thigh and 1" from round my hips. Yes, I got some junk inna trunk - but there's less junk there now than there was 2 weeks ago.

Helps keep it all in perspective! And don't believe that "muscle weighs more than fat" nonsense. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. It's the amount of space that is the difference. "Amount of space" is calculated by the tape measure, not the scale.

HTH!

Nathalie

[flabuless 18]

I hate my scales...I have taken to measuring my body with measuring tape...far more accurate. Grrrr cant wait to throw away the scales and never need to look at them again!

becky

[cinward2001 0]

scales lie. All the time. You really shouldn't use them for more than general "trends." But if you're like me, it's really, really hard to weigh once/week and then look at the ups and downs over the course of a month and say "Yes, it's mostly down."

For women, it can be really rough. Hormonal changes during a month can have you gaining 6 or 7 pounds in Fluid retention. So if you're losing at a steady 1-2 lbs/week, it can LOOK like you haven't lost anything in an entire month. In fact, it can LOOK like you've gained weight!

Best thing, I think, is to put the scales away for weeks at a time. Instead, get a too tight pair of pants and try them on every week or two. When you can wear them (or button them if you couldn't before, zip them, etc), then get the scales out...just for once...then find another pair of next smaller pants.

That way, you avoid eating in frustration when the scales have lied, and you avoid eating in celebration when the scales do go down.

[AngelaT 2]

scales lie. All the time. You really shouldn't use them for more than general "trends." But if you're like me, it's really, really hard to weigh once/week and then look at the ups and downs over the course of a month and say "Yes, it's mostly down."

For women, it can be really rough. Hormonal changes during a month can have you gaining 6 or 7 pounds in Fluid retention. So if you're losing at a steady 1-2 lbs/week, it can LOOK like you haven't lost anything in an entire month. In fact, it can LOOK like you've gained weight!

Best thing, I think, is to put the scales away for weeks at a time. Instead, get a too tight pair of pants and try them on every week or two. When you can wear them (or button them if you couldn't before, zip them, etc), then get the scales out...just for once...then find another pair of next smaller pants. :girl_hug:

That way, you avoid eating in frustration when the scales have lied, and you avoid eating in celebration when the scales do go down. :confused:

I agree...I thought i had gained weight the last week or so and panicked a bit...then I realized it must be Water retention due to TOM and so today after TOM and of course being back at work and moving more recently I got on and it was 5lbs lower than what the scale had told me just a few days ago!! So I am happy!

[juliegeraci 7]

My doctor lets me go into his office anytime to weigh. My home scale is off by 1.5 lbs compared to him. I truly believe the scale is the devil :-} Try not to weigh yourself for a week and see how you do. Try and stop the bingeing. I know it is hard but in the end you will do much better. Good luck.

[tonya66 13]

Yes, I HATE the scales too. Here is a great article regarding the scales! Don't get discouraged if the scales lie to you. And remember DRINK your water!

http://www.carbsmart.com/outout.html

[ReneBean 3]

My scale and I have come to an agreement.

I won't freak out when it tells me that I haven't lost any weight - and it will give me a good answer once in a while.

Seriously - use the tape measure. I mean - who the heck cares how much you actually weigh? (Unless you happen to be a flying Wolenda or something)

It's all about how you feel, how you look and how many of your clothes you can fit into again.

If you can't handle the lies your scale will continue to tell you, then YES - put it away.

Your Doc will jump right in if you aren't doing as well as he would like - and his scale once a month or two will be fine in connection with regular measurements to chart your size progress.

Hugs!!

[juliegeraci 7]

Great article, thank you.