Afraid to step back on the scale

megbee617

Hi everyone,

I've been on MFP a while, and in using it, I managed to lose about 25lbs last year. However, for some reason I hit a plateau in November and my weight has not budged at all. I went to the gym several times a week and really tried to eat better, but the scale did not move. At all. Eventually in February I kind of gave up and just thought that I am one of those people who just can't lose weight.

I'm ready to try it again. I've been walking almost everyday and really trying to eat better, but I'm afraid to step on the scale. Usually it is a motivator for me, but for some reason I just can't come to terms with getting on. I can't imagine I've gained a ton since all my clothes still fit fine, but I'm afraid!!!!

What can I do to get on the scale and be OK with whatever number I see?

Rose6300

Maybe set yourself up to accept that it's gone up the entire 25 pounds that you've previously lost, so that whatever number you see will be a relief? I play mental tricks like this with myself all the time.

Branstin

The scale is nothing to be afraid of because it only generates a general number. The number doesn't account for water, hormones, sodium, bowls, etc. Focus more on developing healthy life long habits and don't get overwhelmed over the number on the scale because it's only a small part of the journey.

serindipte

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

If you aren't already using one, get and use a food scale. Weigh all solids. Measuring cups/spoons are not accurate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY
Neither is guessing:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1270280-food-weighing-scale-miracles

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

Francl27

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

If you aren't already using one, get and use a food scale. Weigh all solids. Measuring cups/spoons are not accurate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY
Neither is guessing:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1270280-food-weighing-scale-miracles

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

This is why you were not losing.

Just get on the scale tomorrow morning after getting up. And if it's bad, think of it as a wake up call.

Allterrain_Lady

Then don't step back on the scale.
The scale is only one tool that helps you measuring progress. One out of many.

When I gained a little, after a very dark period, I was afraid too. So I didn't. The point was to try and get back on the horse, doing the right thing for me. Last thing I needed was something to put me down.

Walking is perfect to restart your engine. Figure out the number of calories you were supposed to eat on your last know weight. And start with that.

To regain confidence, I stepped on the scale at night. Right before bed. Whatever the number was, it didn't matter cause it was night. Water, food and everything. But I was, in some way, checking. The point was for this number to go down.
I didn't weigh myself in the morning until I saw at night a number I felt acceptable.

It worked wonders for my self esteem, self-confidence and overall sanity.

It's a bumpy road but what a journey when it finally goes in the right direction.

Be confident!