You’re finally working towards your weight loss goal. Things are going well. You’re exercising, eating smarter and feeling in control…until you get on the dreaded scale and notice you’ve gained weight. Have no fear, this happens to all of us at some point. It would be easy to let the numbers lead you astray. Don’t let it. There are a number of reasons your weight fluctuates on a daily basis:
Hydration Level
Our ability to hydrate varies on a daily basis. How much or how little we hydrate will make a difference on the scale in either direction.
High-sodium Foods
Ingesting a high sodium meal will keep the number on the scale artificially high. Continue rehydrating to flush out the water your body has retained. Give it some time, eventually it will be out of your system and reflect on the scale.
Bathroom habits
Urine and waste can add unwanted pounds on the scale. Try emptying out before weighing yourself.
Hot weather
You’re probably retaining more water than you would in cooler weather. It’s especially important to drink more when it’s hot so don’t let the higher number dissuade you.
Weighing yourself after exercise
Exercise will cause your weight to go up or down, depending upon your hydration habits. You can lose several pounds based upon how much you sweat. As soon as you hydrate, you’ll regain the water weight you lost from sweating and maybe more.
Hormone changes in women
PMS and bloat will take that number higher. Maintain a good hydration level to flush out the extra fluid.
Considering the variables, how often should you weigh yourself? It’s fine to weigh yourself daily if you don’t let the weight fluctuations mess with your emotions. If you find it is, trying weighing yourself once a week. But make sure it’s at the same time of the day to ensure greatest accuracy. If you prefer not to weigh yourself at all because it’s too overwhelming, that’s fine too. You can use the mirror and or your clothes to monitor progress.
Keep in mind, weight loss is not a linear process. Some weeks you’ll lose more than others or not at all. It’s important to stay on your weight loss plan despite the ups and downs. If the scale is generally trending downward, then you’re doing something right. Keep going and don’t let the numbers fool you.
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I always tell people that when your clothing gets loose, you are losing weight in the right places.
Yes! Clothes is a great measurement.
I think the best, as it just happens without the dreaded scales.
I feel like I obsess too much if I weigh myself often. I see the doctor every 2-3 months anyhow, so I normally just see what they say.
Everyone is different. If that is what keeps you in check, then stick with it. Obessessing over anything isn’t good. Balance and moderation is key to a happy and healthy life.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
A WEIGHTY SUBJECT HERE!
Thank you for reblogging!
😀
Hello Frieda!
Thanks for this informative post! I used to weigh myself everyday however it became very unhealthy for me. Now I weigh myself very rarely although I find that I am maintaining the same weight overall, which is a healthy weight for me.
You are right in that our weight can change because of all these factors and that we should keep these things in mind when we step on the scale 🙂
Hi Sophie, I was the same way because I became obsessed. I realized that as long as I was eating sensibly there was no need to jump on the scale every day. Now I’m down to once every week or two and I feel better about it. I also rely heavily on my clothing to tell me whether I’m gaining. Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend!
I definitely rely on my clothing as well. As long as my favourite clothes still fit right I know I am still on track 🙂 Wishing you a great weekend too!