Why the scale doesn't matter

The reality is the scale is a barometer for progress not the be all end all.

When tracking weight with clients, whether they’re looking to lose weight, maintain it, or add some, I don’t place much stock into their weight on any given day. We also track measurements and pictures to get a full picture, which is more accurate.

And as much as clients don’t enjoy tracking food, stress, sleep, etc— it’s part of the process.

The process of nutrition coaching isn’t a one time set my macros and go.

Accountability and adherence week over week is the catalyst to change.

And guess what for some folks.... MAINTENANCE is PROGRESS!

If the scale changed by 2-3 pounds overnight, I pay no attention.

If we we’re looking to lose fat and the average hasn’t gone down in 2 weeks or we haven’t seen a new low, that’s when we may look at what’s going on.

But maybe because the scale fluctuates, and you give too much attention to this and this ultimately may be justification to get on it less.

As long as you’re aware of the fact that since the scale can fluctuate 2-4 pounds in a day easily, there’s no guaranteeing if you lose 3 pounds of fat in 3 weeks but the scale, on that random day you take your weight, couldn’t be up 3-4 pounds.

Stop placing a large amount of of stock into that one weigh in.

If you spend a lot of money every day and decide to stop looking at your bank statement, it doesn’t change the fact you’re over spending.

If you avoid the scale daily, that’s fine, but don’t think it means the scale isn’t constantly fluctuating and it doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress.

Stay the course and assess the level of accountability you need