Disheartened? Disregard Your Scale!

Okay, you have been on your weight loss plan for five weeks now, how are you holding up? Still resolving to lose weight or are you a trifle discouraged?  Ready to give up? Then I’d recommend you throw away that scale.  A scale is not a great indicator as to how healthy one is and you have probably been checking it every day now, hopeful you have lost a pound or two.

Healthy living is the objective, not thinness. Weight means very little but bone structure means a lot. If you are large-boned, you will never comfortably be able to fit into a size 2.  If you are small boned, even a weight gain of 5 lbs. will make you look a little pudgy. Good news – God created each of us uniquely but wants all to be healthy.

In regards to  weight: a pint equals a pound. If you drink a couple of cups of water, coffee, tea or eat breakfast and then step onto your scale, you will think you’ve gained a pound of fat. Not true. Get on the scale after a shower with wet hair and the same principle applies. A wet head means extra weight. Jeans, shoes, jewelry all weigh differently. So does fluid retention at certain times of the month. It’s all smoke and mirrors.

Health is more important than weight. How do you feel? Do your clothes fit or are they a bit snug? To recognize how much you have actually lost, get a belt and notch it off every two weeks. You’ll have a tangible measurement of either success or reality and that should encourage motivation.

How much energy do you have? Too tired to play with your children or go out with friends? Is it worth it to you to restrict healthy nutrients if you have no social life?

What is your temperament like lately? You could be the slimmest person in your group but if you act like a tyrant or moody, no one will want to be around you. You’ll be the loneliest one in the room. Vitamin B12 is an energy vitamin and all B vitamins improve mood. So does zinc, boron and vitamin D. “Have a peel-and-eat shrimp dinner with a sweet potato, spinach and garlic, then call me in the morning . . . ”

Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, all improve one’s mood. If you are feeling down and sluggish, you are probably lacking in some nutrients. Restricting complex carbohydrates restricts your personality! Blossom and glow with beneficial feel-good nutrients.

Do your arms or body parts jiggle when you wave or walk? Get fit! A pound is a pound but a pound of muscle is a very effective fat burner. Muscle is compact so it’s smaller than fat. Lift weights, Zumba or walk in the fresh air to release some beneficial endorphins while gaining valuable muscle.

I have counseled patients who were 536 lbs. and several who were under 110. None of them were healthy. Listen to your body and become the best you can be, honoring and glorifying God for creating such a complex machine as you!

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20

What is your body telling you?