Weight is an aspect of your results, not the total result.

Of course, it’s nice to see the dial/numbers getting lower and lower each week, but let’s take a moment to hone in on what it is that you REALLY want.

If I said to you – ‘You won’t lose ANY weight, but you’ll drop 2x jean sizes.’

Would you be HAPPY?

Of course, you would.

Therefore, we don’t get fixated solely on the numbers on the little metal box.

While weight loss is important in most cases, I want to highlight that it’s not the only factor in your transformation.

Weighing yourself weekly (no more than weekly, as it’s pointless) or every couple of weeks can be a great way to monitor results, as long as you learn what to do with this information.

If you put on 1lb this week, this would usually = sadness, unhappiness, dread, loss of motivation, and potentially binge eating and downward spirals to follow.

Right?

It’s important that your relationship with the result, and more importantly, your UNDERSTANDING of this result, is coming from a place of education and knowledge, and NOT one of PANIC.

Let me explain why sadness is NOT the response you need to have if you don’t see a reduction on the scale in a given week.

There are MANY reasons why your body can fluctuate in weight day to day and week to week.

  1. Fluctuations in fibre intakes can prolong the time it takes for food to move through the digestive system. It also retains fluid in the large intestine. This will increase your WEIGHT, not fat.
  2. Peaks in carbohydrate intake can help replenish glycogen stores in muscle and liver tissue. Each molecule requires water molecules to bind to it and store it. Storing glycogen increases WEIGHT. As so does the H2O (water) that sits alongside it.
  3. If you weigh yourself in a dehydrated state, then again in a hydrated state, you will weigh more. More fluid = more weight.
  4. If you have a particularly salty intake over a short period, you will retain more fluid. Again, adding to the weight.
  5. You need to poop.

There are many MORE reasons why your weight may fluctuate. These are just a few reasons, ALL OF WHICH have absolutely nothing to do with the fat loss itself.

SO…

How do you use the information you receive from the scales each week?

Note it down, and use the AVERAGE over ideally 4 or more weeks to assess your results.

Here’s what usually happens emotionally on a week-by-week basis when on a weight loss journey:

Week 1: OK, let’s go! Super pumped right now.

Week 2: Did you stay the same weight? WHAT?! After all the effort I’ve put in? That’s upsetting.

Week 3: YES!! So happy right now!! RESULTS!!! 3lb loss happy days…

Week 4: 2lb loss, OK, that’s great news! If I keep this up I’ll be seriously happy…

Week 5: WHAT!? 1lb ON??! Livid right now. Not happy. Not one bit.

Week 6: Oh well, that’s just my bad luck. Not shifted at all. I feel a downward spiral coming on….

Week 7: YESSSSSSSSS 3lb loss!!! Was getting worried there…

Is this absolute emotional ROLLERCOASTER sound familiar?

It doesn’t have to be this way, though.

HERE’S THE SOLUTION

You could also take a look at these same results and think:

I’ve lost an average of over 1lb per week during this period. I’m happy with that!

Simple as that.

You can look at the Exact Same results and have a rollercoaster to deal with, or take a step back and treat it as an average over a+ weeks, ignoring irrelevant fluctuations.

Use the scales as an Average, along with other measurements, progress photos, dress/clothing sizes, and fitness markers to gauge your progress.

Let’s avoid those downward spirals. You may be upset with a result, and in reality, you’re super hydrated or need a poop.

Written by Ricky Ormsby