Read on to learn about one surprisingand commonmistake people make during weight loss.
If it resonates with you, were also here to give you some ideas about how to fix it.
The #1 Mistake People Make When Trying to Lose Weight
The No.
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1 mistake people make is … drumroll … focusing too much on the number on the scale.
Weight is only one very tiny part of health as a whole.
If your bathroom scale has power, consider why it may not be serving you.
The number on a scale, however, provides unclear information as your weight changes.
Weight can fluctuate on a daily basis, anywhere from 1 to 4 pounds.
Evenhow often you poopaffects your weight.
These fluctuations can cause anxiety, especially if you weigh yourself daily.
At most, weigh yourself weekly at the same time of day, she recommends.
It Doesnt Indicate Health
Weight loss happens for plenty of reasons, both helpful and harmful.
Someone may lose weight when they start eatinghigh-fiber mealsorprioritizing protein at breakfast.
Another person may be restricting their intake through dangerous dieting methods.
Just because the number on the scale is changing doesnt mean its a health-promoting behavior, says Kolesa.
Exercise May Affect Results
Physical activity matters in this equation, too.
For example,strength trainingcan help you build muscle.
Thats a great thingmore muscle helps improve blood sugar levels, strengthens bones and encourages fat loss.
But there can be disappointment during a weigh-in.
I asked her if she would exchange all those benefits for the scale to be down 10 pounds.
Non-scale victories are important, if not more important than the number on the scale, she says.
How to Beat Scale Obsession
1.
Journaling is a powerful tool for tracking your progress.
For example:
3.
I tell people to throw away their scale all the time.
It can be incredibly freeing to completely remove weight from the equation.
I have clients that get on the scale one or two times a day.
I recommend they start weighing themselves less often by getting on the scale only every other day.
After that, we can reassess from there.
The Bottom Line
Should everyone toss their home scales into a fiery pit?
The number can be helpful information.
However, its important not to hyperfocus on it and instead to concentrate on the outcome you want.
Remember that the number on the scale is not an evaluation of your self-worth; its simply data.
