Although weight can be a factor in health and overall results, it is one of the most inaccurate markers for true success!  So many people are slaves to the scale and weigh themselves excessively, thus setting themselves up for dissapointment.  If your weight is up a few pounds, does it ruin your day?  Do you stress about the number on the scale? If so, this blog is for you.

As a nutrition and fitnesss expert, I do my best to teach my clients how to "step away from the scale" and understand their body to truly measure their progress.  What many people don't realize is the human body naturally fluctuates in weight anywhere from three to five pounds a day depending on water retention, if you ate a high sodium meal, lack of sleep, and even menstrual cycles. 

The most effective way to measure your physical progress is to understand Your body.  Is the waistline of your pants a little looser?  Does your coat or shirt button easier?  Are you looking slimmer in the mirror? Do you feel lighter on your feet?  All of these are indications of your body shifting and the fat melting away.

Another key point to recognize is that blood sugar stabilization is an incredibly unique scientific process in which you will lose body fat while building and protecting your lean muscle mass.  If your not losing muscle mass (which is your metabolism- you want to keep it and build it!), then the overall number on the scale sometimes doesn't change as much as it would if you were just "dieting".  Of course this varies depending on how much weight you have to lose but so often I hear a client say, "my clothes fit so much better and I look leaner, but the scale hasn't changed drastically."  My response?  "Great, your right on track!"

So my best advice is to "step away from that scale".  If you must weigh yourself do it only once a week, at the same time of day each time.  And keep in mind, it's only one small indication of success!

Valerie Cogswell

Head Chef and Nutrition Coach