Scared of the dreaded scales!

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Replies

  • Lois_1989
    Lois_1989 Posts: 6,410 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    Ever thought about measuring yourself instead? Or changing lbs to Kg? I was nervous about weighing myself after a long time and I was used to stones and lbs so by changing the scales to just lbs I didn't really have the anxiety because I didn't know how much heavier I was than the last time I weighed myself. If that makes ANY sense. lbs on its own was just a number on the screen that I knew had to get lower.

    This is a really good idea, thanks! I think changing the scale to kg will help as I'll be too nervous to convert it yet id still have a number to work with.

    Exactly, you can convert it in your own time, when you feel comfortable. But for now, atleast you can put your digits into the calculator and get crackin with the weight loss! :wink:
  • Afisk05
    Afisk05 Posts: 5 Member
    I have had the same problem for about 12 years. I am thinking about filling a bucket with rocks and then weighing myself with it every time I get on the scale. And I don't ever want to know how much the bucket of rocks weighs.
  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    Ever thought about measuring yourself instead? Or changing lbs to Kg? I was nervous about weighing myself after a long time and I was used to stones and lbs so by changing the scales to just lbs I didn't really have the anxiety because I didn't know how much heavier I was than the last time I weighed myself. If that makes ANY sense. lbs on its own was just a number on the screen that I knew had to get lower.

    This is a really good idea, thanks! I think changing the scale to kg will help as I'll be too nervous to convert it yet id still have a number to work with.

    Exactly, you can convert it in your own time, when you feel comfortable. But for now, atleast you can put your digits into the calculator and get crackin with the weight loss! :wink:

    Thank you honestly, I'll definitely try this! Now to find a scale that converts to kg haha.
  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    Afisk05 wrote: »
    I have had the same problem for about 12 years. I am thinking about filling a bucket with rocks and then weighing myself with it every time I get on the scale. And I don't ever want to know how much the bucket of rocks weighs.

    Maybe try the kg method that I've just been told about? :)
  • Lois_1989
    Lois_1989 Posts: 6,410 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    Ever thought about measuring yourself instead? Or changing lbs to Kg? I was nervous about weighing myself after a long time and I was used to stones and lbs so by changing the scales to just lbs I didn't really have the anxiety because I didn't know how much heavier I was than the last time I weighed myself. If that makes ANY sense. lbs on its own was just a number on the screen that I knew had to get lower.

    This is a really good idea, thanks! I think changing the scale to kg will help as I'll be too nervous to convert it yet id still have a number to work with.

    Exactly, you can convert it in your own time, when you feel comfortable. But for now, at least you can put your digits into the calculator and get crackin with the weight loss! :wink:

    Thank you honestly, I'll definitely try this! Now to find a scale that converts to kg haha.

    Isn't there normally a switch on the scales? The stupid type where you need a pokey thing that is thinner than a pen. I would look on the underneath and sides for a switch before spending money on new scales. Glad to be some help! :smile:
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Lois_1989 wrote: »
    Ever thought about measuring yourself instead? Or changing lbs to Kg? I was nervous about weighing myself after a long time and I was used to stones and lbs so by changing the scales to just lbs I didn't really have the anxiety because I didn't know how much heavier I was than the last time I weighed myself. If that makes ANY sense. lbs on its own was just a number on the screen that I knew had to get lower.

    This is a really good idea, thanks! I think changing the scale to kg will help as I'll be too nervous to convert it yet id still have a number to work with.

    Yeah, this is a great idea.
  • urloved33
    urloved33 Posts: 3,323 Member
    Well know this...regardless of what the scale or measuring tape says we are healthier if we track our food and excercise on a regular basis.
  • mildammm
    mildammm Posts: 67 Member
    It is actually difficult to lose weight without stepping on scales. The simple reason is that being on track with your eating and exercise produces such minuscule results week-to-week that you won't notice the difference by looking at a mirror. You will throw in the towel swearing "it's not working!" in a week or two even though you actually lost 2 pounds of fat and were completely on track.

    So summon the courage, buy a scale if you don't own one, and step on in private. It'll be very crushing but it'll be the first step to becoming the person you want to be, free of the constraints, physical and social, of being overweight.
  • Afisk05
    Afisk05 Posts: 5 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    Afisk05 wrote: »
    I have had the same problem for about 12 years. I am thinking about filling a bucket with rocks and then weighing myself with it every time I get on the scale. And I don't ever want to know how much the bucket of rocks weighs.

    Maybe try the kg method that I've just been told about? :)

    The math is way too easy.
  • D_squareG
    D_squareG Posts: 361 Member
    You can't change what you don't know. I you want to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle, having a more normal relationship with the scale and food is important. Good luck!
  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    Thanks everyone for the recommendations!
  • DearestWinter
    DearestWinter Posts: 595 Member
    I understand the dread of the scale. If I've been a long time without weighing myself and know I've gained weight then I'll reward myself for stepping on the scale. Usually something like, "if you get on the scale this morning then you can watch an episode of Scandal" or similar. (Not food related; that can be counterproductive.) It's still scary but usually the reward is good incentive. Of course I operate best with bribes in general. :smile:

    Weighing and tracking progress in kg is a really good idea too! You won't necessarily have the emotional ties to another unit of measure so it won't be as intimidating.
  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    edited April 2015
    herrspoons wrote: »
    Is this an April fool?

    Thanks? It's people like you that make me wish I never bothered signing up to this website. :)
  • shamcd
    shamcd Posts: 178 Member
    Please do not listen to all of the negativity here. Your situation having an ED and the enormous fear of the scale are something I relate closely to. It has been a long time since I felt the urge to purge or starve, but I still cannot step on a scale either. I take my measurements, and judge my loss by the fit of my clothing. The few times I've jumped on the scale over the last few years nearly sent me into a depressive tailspin, so that tells me I still need to work on the mental aspect of my health, and that may be the same boat you're in. Focus on being healthy and changing your behavior, the scale will always be there when you're ready. It's only one tool out of many that you can use to measure weight loss...if it haunts you, then it's not a useful option, use the others.
  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    shamcd wrote: »
    Please do not listen to all of the negativity here. Your situation having an ED and the enormous fear of the scale are something I relate closely to. It has been a long time since I felt the urge to purge or starve, but I still cannot step on a scale either. I take my measurements, and judge my loss by the fit of my clothing. The few times I've jumped on the scale over the last few years nearly sent me into a depressive tailspin, so that tells me I still need to work on the mental aspect of my health, and that may be the same boat you're in. Focus on being healthy and changing your behavior, the scale will always be there when you're ready. It's only one tool out of many that you can use to measure weight loss...if it haunts you, then it's not a useful option, use the others.

    This is exactly how I am. It's not so much a fear of the scales, it's more fear of the number for me (original post wasn't very clear as I wasn't too keen on admitting my ED on the internet). It wasn't so bad when I had my ED but now I'm recovering and I know I'm gaining more than losing it's terrifying. I wish people would be more understanding about mental health as well as physical health.
  • 2snakeswoman
    2snakeswoman Posts: 655 Member
    Scales make me crazy. No matter the number, it almost always triggers me to eat treats to either reward myself for losing weight or console myself for gaining weight. I'm trying to avoid the evil scales and focus on my eating habits. If I get that part right, weight loss will follow. One thing at a time.
  • shamcd
    shamcd Posts: 178 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »

    This is exactly how I am. It's not so much a fear of the scales, it's more fear of the number for me (original post wasn't very clear as I wasn't too keen on admitting my ED on the internet). It wasn't so bad when I had my ED but now I'm recovering and I know I'm gaining more than losing it's terrifying. I wish people would be more understanding about mental health as well as physical health.

    I do too. Even though I've found MFP to be the best tool to keep me on track, much of condescending commentary leaves me to keep most of my opinions to myself. It's a great place to educate yourself, just tread lightly in the forums. And good luck to you on your journey to good health :)
  • Mexicanbigfoot
    Mexicanbigfoot Posts: 520 Member
    It's just a number. Weight is a unit of measurement, same as feet/inches are measurements of your height.

    That number has ABSOLUTELY NO BEARING on what kind of person you are. Your weight cannot tell you how awesome or beautiful or kind you are.

    If you don't know what your starting point is, how are you going to track your progress?

    You can do it. Just take a deep breath and step on. :heart:
  • alicaramik2
    alicaramik2 Posts: 71 Member
    I felt the same way when I started. I didn't own a scale and was scared to death of what I might see if I stepped on one. After being on mfp for about three weeks, I finally broke down and did it. I wasn't thrilled with what I saw, but it wasn't as bad as it could have been. Now I wish I had done it sooner, if only so I could know how much I lost in those first weeks. Officially, I've lost 18 lbs. but it could be as much as 25.
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    "...I have gained a lot of weight and I am absolutely terrified of stepping on them....Any advice?"

    lose weight and grow a pair in no particular order?

    If only it was that easy?

    Because denial and avoidance make *everything* better, right?

    I'm not in denial, I know that it needs to be done. I know it's just a number but it's a big deal for someone who's overweight.

    Its worse than I i thought. You are in metadenial. Denial about being in denial.

  • jodiealgar
    jodiealgar Posts: 43 Member
    edited April 2015
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    jodiealgar wrote: »
    "...I have gained a lot of weight and I am absolutely terrified of stepping on them....Any advice?"

    lose weight and grow a pair in no particular order?

    If only it was that easy?

    Because denial and avoidance make *everything* better, right?

    I'm not in denial, I know that it needs to be done. I know it's just a number but it's a big deal for someone who's overweight.

    Its worse than I i thought. You are in metadenial. Denial about being in denial.

    Or maybe it's because I'm recovering from an eating disorder. What exactly am I in denial about? Stop being so ignorant and act your age instead of picking on young girls.
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