BALANCING SCALES. TO WEIGH OR NOT TO WEIGH?
The scale is just one way to measure our weight and weight loss (or gain!) journey. Sometimes, the scale can be a very helpful tool and other times it can work against our efforts. Personally, I have a compulsion to weigh in much too often, and I am not proud of it and don’t advocate it! There are too many variable that can effect our fluctuations. In a perfect world, I would advise weighing only once or twice a week. I would also advise using other tools like tape measures, clothing and HOW YOU FEEL! Here’s one reason the scale can work against us:
Water Water Everywhere…
Did you know that a side effect of regular exercise is holding onto a few extra pounds? I’ll explain in a minute, but reading this last night was the first time I thought about this and how much sense it actually makes. Working out, especially in the early stages, but after that too, can cause us to retain water. Apparently, our incredibly smart bodies are designed to prevent dehydration so they hand on to some extra water to compensate for the workouts. According to Michele S. Olson, Ph.D. those of us who workout regularly, store an extra two to four pounds of water in our plasma. Dr. Olson adds that “this is not fat or muscle, but simply super hydration. It’s a good thing.” This explains a lot to me with regard to why, when I take some time off from work, my weight actually goes down. I now understand, it’s nothing more than fluid fluctuations. It also explains why I am such a good floater!!!
Making Peace…
So, if you have been working out regularly and sticking to your goals, don’t hate the scale and by all means DO NOT cut back on your water. Drink MORE water. It will tell your body it doesn’t have to hold on so tightly to prevent dehydration. Be excited about how much stronger you are and how much more you can do. Easing off on exercise a day or two before a big occasion might help you shed those extra pounds, looking much more defined, but remember…
