Reminder: The Scale Does NOT Define You!
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LorinaLynn
Posts: 13,247 Member
I can't count how many threads I've seen just in the past week that were along the lines of "My clothes are getting looser and I look thinner, but the DAMN SCALE WON'T BUDGE! How can I make the number drop!?!" :sad:
Stop it. Just stop it. Now.
If you're getting smaller, you're doing things right. It doesn't matter what the effect the earth's gravitational pull has on you at any given moment. No one knows that number but you.
To illustrate that point... Last October, I reached my goal weight of 126 pounds. I wanted to be 9 stones. No, I'm not British, but I like the number nine. And actually, I got to 125.5 pounds. To celebrate my victory over the bastardly scale, I bought new jeans.
These are those jeans last year.
Happy camper. Loved how I looked.
SINCE then, the scale has bounced around quite a bit. Between being on the bench about six weeks in January with a stress fracture, some trial and error with trying to find exactly what maintenance is, a few lazy weeks in June when I lost my mojo and then caught the flu... But I stuck with it, and tried to ignore the scale best I could. I eat about 2100 calories a day Monday through Friday, don't log on the weekends at all, run 3x a week and lift weights 3x a week (stronglifts 5x5, just started week 2, but I've been lifting).
I'm currently about 132-133 pounds. And here's those same jeans today.
I'm about 7 or 8 pounds heavier, but I could smuggle a loaf of bread down my pants.
And that's why I always say... Track your progress through measurements, how clothes fit, and progress photos, not just by the scale. The scale is a lying, cheating *kitten* who kicks puppies and takes candy from babies. Don't give it any power over you.
Like I said in a couple threads today... Losing pounds is like getting a promotion at work with a big fancy title, but no pay raise. Losing inches without much in the line of pounds is like getting a big fat pay raise. Which will matter more in your day to day life?
(Edit: I hate how the camera flash washes out all definition. :grumble: )
Stop it. Just stop it. Now.
If you're getting smaller, you're doing things right. It doesn't matter what the effect the earth's gravitational pull has on you at any given moment. No one knows that number but you.
To illustrate that point... Last October, I reached my goal weight of 126 pounds. I wanted to be 9 stones. No, I'm not British, but I like the number nine. And actually, I got to 125.5 pounds. To celebrate my victory over the bastardly scale, I bought new jeans.
These are those jeans last year.
Happy camper. Loved how I looked.
SINCE then, the scale has bounced around quite a bit. Between being on the bench about six weeks in January with a stress fracture, some trial and error with trying to find exactly what maintenance is, a few lazy weeks in June when I lost my mojo and then caught the flu... But I stuck with it, and tried to ignore the scale best I could. I eat about 2100 calories a day Monday through Friday, don't log on the weekends at all, run 3x a week and lift weights 3x a week (stronglifts 5x5, just started week 2, but I've been lifting).
I'm currently about 132-133 pounds. And here's those same jeans today.
I'm about 7 or 8 pounds heavier, but I could smuggle a loaf of bread down my pants.
And that's why I always say... Track your progress through measurements, how clothes fit, and progress photos, not just by the scale. The scale is a lying, cheating *kitten* who kicks puppies and takes candy from babies. Don't give it any power over you.
Like I said in a couple threads today... Losing pounds is like getting a promotion at work with a big fancy title, but no pay raise. Losing inches without much in the line of pounds is like getting a big fat pay raise. Which will matter more in your day to day life?
(Edit: I hate how the camera flash washes out all definition. :grumble: )
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Replies
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My god, woman, you are stunning.
I'm going to bookmark this thread, to remind me how stupid my scale obsession can be.0 -
THANK YOU for posting this! You have photographic proof that the scale is not the best tool to measure progress.
I was getting frustrated that the scale hasn't moved in over a month, but I am looking smaller and have lost an inch in both my waist and hips during this month. I do weight train, so I attribute this to muscle gain/fat loss.
I needed to see this today.
You look absolutely stunning by the way.0 -
AMEN!! Thank you for reminding me. It is nice to see the scale drop when you have a lot to lose, but it feels so much better when your clothes are loose or you look good in the new shirt. I know I feel so much better the days I eat healthier...not rocket science. I know that as long as I am moving and eating better I am getting closer and closer to a healthier me.0
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Great post0
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I love when you post! Such a great motivator!!! Thank you!!0
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You never cease to amaze me. I LOVE reading your posts. I especially enjoy your pictures, because a picture is worth a thousand words. Thanks for inspiring me everyday.0
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Love this.0
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Thank you for sharing and I know you are right. Im not loosing a lot of weight on scale but measurments are different, still long way to go but I feel better in my clothes. You are an inspiration.0
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GREAT Timing for your post. I've been pretty down lately about my daily (morning) battle with the Scale. Yes, I know I SHOULD NOT weigh myself each day, but I find it helps to keep my goals front and foremost in my mind throughout the day. I've made some great progress already, though I still have quite a bit to go. Your post helped me to put my "Scale Battles" into perspective. Thank you! Message received. I will keep up the good fight, and focus on measurements, not pounds.0
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Thanks for the reminder!0
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Wow! What a difference! that's amazing0
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Everyone should read this.0
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:drinker:
You're post always remind me what is important. Thank you!0 -
I'm about to go on a scale strike! Damned thing!:grumble: :grumble:0
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As always, you speak the truth. And, I LOVE the analogy. Having had several "promotions" without a pay raise, that one really hits home for me. Well said!0
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new obsession....forget the scale....I wanna look like you!!
inspiring, as always0 -
THANK YOU!0
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You are awesome!0
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Everyone should read this. The proof is in the pudding. Woot woot.0
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