Scale Woes...

septembergrrl
septembergrrl Posts: 168 Member
in Motivation and Support
So I am trying to decide if I should buy a new scale, or just stop overthinking the numbers.

I have a digital scale that's probably 10 years old. It has always been finicky: I can "gain" or "lose" two pounds just by stepping on and off or moving it a few inches.

Normally, I don't care about this because when I'm not trying to lose weight, I get on the scale maybe once a month, if that. Having an estimate is fine. But now that I'm dieting, it's really hard to fight the temptation to check in every day. Which of course leads to being cranky if the number is at the high end of that +/- 2 lb. range. Even though I know it probably has more to do with the scale itself and things like water retention than it does with me actually, y'know, gaining two pounds overnight.

How would you handle this?

Replies

  • batgirl140
    batgirl140 Posts: 433 Member
    I don't think you should have that much variation in your weight just by stepping on and off and on again. I think you should treat yourself (if you can call it a treat :) ) to a new scale to help you with your weight loss effort! Its going to be more satisfying and encouraging to have an accurate and reliable number on your scale, instead of questioning every number you see. Now its very normal to vary 2 pounds within your day, from morning to night so just weigh yourself once a day. If thats the issue then stay off the scale! ;) I've gotten into the habit of jumping on the scale in the middle of the day and I have to stop. But in the end it sounds like you probably need a new scale. :)
  • AbstractAsterism
    AbstractAsterism Posts: 153 Member
    I've never had a digital scale last one year let alone ten!

    I'd probably either:

    A) get a new one, sounds like that one has gone a wee bit senile.

    or

    B) ditch the scale for a bit and go to measurements. The scale numbers can drive you bonkers!
  • septembergrrl
    septembergrrl Posts: 168 Member
    Thanks. Sounds like it's time for a better scale.
  • 257_Lag
    257_Lag Posts: 1,249 Member
    I highly recommend any of the EatSmart Scales on Amazon for about $30

    Very consistent and very accurate. (checked against the doctors scales)
  • Shannonthompson73
    Shannonthompson73 Posts: 105 Member
    You are worth at least a new scale. Even if you only weigh yourself once a week or month and don't stress the numbers the inconsistent readings will make you crazy. You deserve the peace of mind, you are worth it.
  • appifanie
    appifanie Posts: 95 Member
    I highly recommend any of the EatSmart Scales on Amazon for about $30

    Very consistent and very accurate. (checked against the doctors scales)

    Yes! My scale was giving me crazy variations too, even with new batteries. I bought that Eat Smart scale and it stays much more consistent numbers that are very similar to doctor's office scales, usually exactly the same.
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    I don't have a scale at home and weigh in at my gym once every 2 weeks for recording purposes. When I started thinking realistically about how long it would take to achieve my goal healthily (12-18 mos), I stopped getting the urge to weigh every day. And even weighing in every 2 weeks I still get the 2 lb fluctuations!! But it's not a big deal anymore, as long as the trend is going down. Good luck OP!

Categories