But don't go get the gun and shoot the scale (I have considered it!). It won't make you feel better about your weight (although the aggressive firing may help your mental health!) and it won't make you skinnier.
There ARE some things you should be aware of when it comes to that stupid scale.
1) Muscle weighs MORE than fat! It surprises people when they know they are losing weight because their clothes are loose but the scale shows no progress or an increase in weight. It can be frightening!
*disclaimer* this isn't me.... wish it was...
The images is a perfect example of fat vs. muscle! Look how the size of fat vs muscle is so different, yet they weigh the same. It is possible that when you step on the scale you are seeing results, just not in the numbers game. Stop trusting that scale!!!! Tape yourself and get an accurate idea of how you have slimmed down. Use this link to learn how to take body measurements accurately.
2) When do you weigh yourself?! No, seriously, when? Do you do it at the same time every day? All throughout the day?
When matters because your body fluctuates by 1-2 pounds throughout the day. It can be discouraging to keep weighing yourself and seeing the number go up, then go down, then go right back up.
So, when should you weigh yourself? I recommend in the morning before you eat. Wake up, do your morning routine of getting dressed and ready for your day, then weigh yourself. Don't hurt your brain by doing it at different times or throughout the day. You'll just get discouraged.
3) Stress, medications, hormones, and other external factors can cause you to gain or lose. Keep track in a journal. Write down what is happening that day, what internal (stress) and external (like what you ate) factors are happening, and then your weight. Over time you can track and know what to expect. For example, when I get stressed, I gain weight. I tend to eat more carbs then. So I know that my weight will go up when stressed.
4) Water retention. Most women know how horrible that can be (hello hormones) and just how miserable that scale is when it happens. But did you know that dehydration can cause that as well?! Ya, it can be pretty costly to your health and weight loss to not drink enough water. Drink at least a gallon a day! This page is pretty amazing and will give you 11 reasons why dehydration is making you fat and sick.
5) Compensatory eating is another reason you could be gaining weight. You went to the gym. You kicked ass. You came out feeling like a million dollars. Then went to dinner and decided that a couple of margaritas wouldn't hurt because you worked hard. You then do this every day.
Ummmm.... do you see how that could be a problem? You tend to think that because you worked hard you can play hard. Not necessarily true. The occasional treat is fine, but to use food like that isn't going to make you lose. You will gain. Watch what you eat, when you eat, and also how many treats you give yourself.
6) And to follow compensatory eating, what you eat in general makes a big difference! I have touched on this before, so if you missed it, click here to go to it!
7) How often do you work out? What does your workout consist of? Ineffective exercise can be a huge reason as to why you are not losing weight. Not all exercise was made equal. Walking every day is not going to burn the same amount of calories that cardio will. Look at your workout and consider changing it. Real weight loss will have a good grouping of aerobics, cardio, and weight training. Toning as well. I can help you out there! Need a better workout that guarantees results, click here to find a workout that will work for you!
These are just a few reasons as to why your scale isn't moving in the direction you want. But remember this:
