Throw away our scales

funkycamper

I agree. The scale is the devil. Back in my gaining weight days, when I would try to diet, and it wouldn't budge, or at least not budge much, it would put me in such a bad mood for the rest of the day that my husband finally took it out in the backyard and killed it with a sledgehammer. Best thing that ever happened to me.

I have lost weight without owning a scale. It's been gradual, healthy, and, for the most part, stress-free. I go by my clothes and always have a pair of jeans that I can't fit into that I try on once every week or two to see how I'm doing.

For awhile, I was going to a weight loss support group at a friend's house and weighing in once a week but I found that frustrating as I always hoped for more of a loss than I was getting. So, now, I'm back to doing it randomly when the mood strikes at the gym, about once a month or so. That way I always see a downward trend and that's what matters.

It probably also helps that I have no specific weight goal in mind. I have a pants size goal and not an unrealistic one. My goal is a size 8 jean. Once I get to that size, I'll reassess to see if I want to try for a size 6 but I'm not real hung up on that. Since I started out in a size 24, even my current size 12's feel like skinny jeans to me.

But my real goals are activity-related. I want to do a 200-mile, 2-day bike event next summer. I want to run in a 5k and then a 10k. I may make a half-marathon my real running goal (no desire for a full marathon). I want to do some intense, multi-day hikes carrying what I need in my pack. And, finally, I want to summit Mr. Rainier. I have to be in good shape to do these things. I figure, if I get into good enough shape to do all of these things, I will be fit and trim and that's all that really matters.

Russellb97

I've also had people who were so desperate to lose "weight" that they told me they don't care if they lose muscle. We put far too much emphasis on what our weight on the scales says versus the way we look and most importantly feel.

I know people that starve themselves to lose weight and that only serves the Scale Demon, because they feel miserable and personally I don't think the "skinny fat" look is all that appealing.

ambuney83

Such a great concept! I recently decided I am going to try not to weigh myself. I have been weighing myself nearly every day and I just end up frustrated and thinking about that stupid number. For example, last week I worked out and ate very heathfully, and was down a few pounds. The weekends are generally harder for me and I didn't keep the best track of calories but I know I did not eat those few extra pounds back that showed up on the scale this morning. I could not have possibly gained two pounds of fat over the weekend, but that is how I felt this morning. I know when I am doing something healthy for my body, and I know when my clothes fit...or don't fit! Instead of focusing on numbers I am going to go on how I look and feel as I think that is a better indicator. This will be a real challenge for me but it sounds so liberating! Good luck to all those getting rid of your scales! I may still hide mine in the closet just in case, but I will definitely not be using it daily!

psuLemon

Taking measurements takes forever vs jumping on the scale and seeing your hard work pay off.

Here is proof to why scales are meaningless and weight doesn't equate to fit or healthy.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/392784-skinny-fat-vs-fit-photo?hl=skinny+fat&page=3#posts-5788685

tangal88

I've also had people who were so desperate to lose "weight" that they told me they don't care if they lose muscle. We put far too much emphasis on what our weight on the scales says versus the way we look and most importantly feel.

I know people that starve themselves to lose weight and that only serves the Scale Demon, because they feel miserable and personally I don't think the "skinny fat" look is all that appealing.

exactly!

SarabellPlus3

I believe the're helpful (or at least useful) for the truly obese, where there's no question they just need to lose "weight". But once you're even approaching a healthy range, body composition (BF%, measurements, how one looks in the mirror) becomes the standard to go by.

I totally agree.

The scales shows me things like if I'm holding on to a little more water right now than I was the other day. That's not useful in any reality, only mind games.

I like watching how my clothes fit, and measuring once in a while! I'd love to do fat analysis more often, but I haven't found a real practical yet reliable way of doing it yet. So for now, I'll just want to look and feel great-- the scale has never been one iota of helpful in that way to me.

mdelcott

I'm convinced our scales are evil and out to hurt us.
I don't have proof but I believe this is a creation of the devil.

I'm going to try and use measurements from now on.

Hahahah! Yes they are!

Had the same conversation with my nutritionist a couple of days ago, she told me "Get rid of your scales. Buy a pair of jeans that are a size smaller and try it on from time to time". I think I may just do that!

What a fantastic idea (the jeans) I had desided to get rid of the scale just the other day, not forever but I have vowed not to get on the scale till Feb 1st

psuLemon

I'm convinced our scales are evil and out to hurt us.
I don't have proof but I believe this is a creation of the devil.

I'm going to try and use measurements from now on.

Hahahah! Yes they are!

Had the same conversation with my nutritionist a couple of days ago, she told me "Get rid of your scales. Buy a pair of jeans that are a size smaller and try it on from time to time". I think I may just do that!

What a fantastic idea (the jeans) I had desided to get rid of the scale just the other day, not forever but I have vowed not to get on the scale till Feb 1st

I am doing this as well. I have two really nice pairs of dress pants (size 34) i am working to get to. Also, working to get to 8% body fat, but I am not so concerned with my weight. I rather have more lean muscle to burn more calories.

kimberly0416

I avoid the scale at all cost since I am not losing any weight at all just inches.
Measuring doesn't take to long when you are getting ready. ><

TheBraveryLover

Mine broke, like, 2 months ago and I never bought a new one. I only weigh myself at the doc's or a friend's house, every 3-4 weeks or so. I'm all about measurements, clothing, and mirrors now.

Hellbent_Heidi

Dude seriously...I just looked at your before and after pics, and the scale has been very kind to you! You look amazing!