How to mentally get past the scale

I try to focus on the little changes. More energy, smaller shoes, clothes fit better, I'm down two sizes. I also take pictures & measure my arms, waist, neck, hips & thighs. I've lost an inch off my neck! I buy myself small things to celebrate losses. ( a Brighton charm, They have a Hippo that says strength) Also I can tie my shoes without feeling like I'm going to die. I can walk up a flight of stairs & not be out of breath. I can get in & out of the tub easier. All these small things add up. Then just when you think the scale is never going to move, IT DOES! Just never give up. Every day set one small goal.

If I'm doing everything right (logging, measuring correctly, not sneaking "bites" of this and that here and there, reaching my step goals) then I just trust the process that the scale will move eventually, also trusting that the longer the wait, the bigger the "budge" on the scale will be when it does come.

Mech9 wrote: »

How do you, personally, handle not seeing the scale budge (when you have NSV like losing inches and clothes fitting better)?

Have more goals and track according to a weighted average.

Seriously. Do I like it when the number seems painted on the scale? Nope. The weighted average has a more steady trend and that gives a clearer idea of progress or not.

Also, I find that even when the weight may not be moving the way I like, that having other physical goals can help me to tolerate it better. Between looking at the weight trend and seeing if I am getting faster or having more endurance in my chosen sport, there is always at least a little progress SOMEWHERE!

I try to look at the 'big picture' of weight loss. It's not a straight line and there's no -one- number that tells me how I'm doing. So I weigh myself, take measurements, ook at my physical strength and endurance, how clothes are feeling, my energy level, my moods. If I start looking at more aspects of weight loss and more way to 'measure' success, odds are I find at least 2 or 3 things that have improved.

Numbers are only one piece of the puzzle, when I pull back my focus I realize I'm getting rewarded every week for the healthy choices I make, regardless of whether the numbers are what I expect. Dig a little and I'm sure you can find other stuff you've achieved that'll encourage you when the numbers can't

I take pictures once a month. I'm always SHOCKED to see how much I've changed. I also measure: breast, chest, biceps, waist, hips, thighs, calves. Finally, it's all about perspective. What's your goal? Mine is to commit, once and for all, to a healthy, self loving attitude, so if I'm eating right, and exercising enough, that's an amazing achievement for me. I know the size and scale will follow.

Like I keep saying everywhere on the forum (lol) I don't stress on the scale at all. I used too though. I have shifted my focus on the long run. If the trend is down, keep doing what you're doing! I only log when I lose, unless the weight sticks around for more then 2-3 days. Usually, if I lose 1lbs I will gain 1-2lbs in the next couple of days. Then, I lose that 1-2lbs and some more. The trend is going down, so I don't worry about it.