When you’re starting to get in shape and are trying to drop the pounds, there is always one thing at the front of your mind: the scale. Too often, that little piece of equipment de-motivates. Maybe you didn’t lose as much as you thought or heck, perhaps you even put on a few pounds. The scale can either be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on the day. That is why it is so important to step back. You don’t need to weigh yourself every single day…. but how often should you?
The Problem With Weighing Yourself Every Day
There are many reasons why weighing yourself every single day isn’t a good idea. For starters, weight fluctuations happen. You may be retaining more water or it may have to do with various other factors. But it happens! That means the number on the scale may not be totally accurate.
Another reason you may want to skip the scale? When you’re working out and getting fit, your fat is turning into muscle. All of those new muscles are much heavier than fat, which means the number on the scale may be increasing. You don’t want to panic when you step on the scale and stop doing what you’re doing. It may prevent you from taking your fitness routine to the next level. Plus, your weight doesn’t determine how healthy and strong you are. Often we become so consumed by the number that we totally ignore all of the positive things we are achieving. Take a step back and feel good knowing that you’re getting healthy.
Why You Should Weigh Yourself Once a Week
If you’re not weighing yourself every single day, then when should you? Many fitness instructors feel that once a week is ideal. Any longer than that and you are more likely to get off track. Any less and you may find yourself feeling depressed and unmotivated. So, choose one specific weigh in day each week and stick with it. That way, you know exactly when you’ll be stepping on the scale next. The results will be more accurate and you can spend less time stressing.
The Best Time Of Day To Step On The Scale
Now that you know how often to weigh yourself, it’s just as important to understand when to do it. If you step on the scale after downing a massive double cheeseburger, the number probably won’t be too pretty. More importantly, it won’t be too accurate, either. The same goes if you’ve had a lot of water to drink that day or you are something high in fibre or sodium.
The very best time of day to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning. On your chosen weigh in day, get out of bed and jump on the scale. Don’t grab any breakfast or water until after you’ve done it as these can skew the number. When you weigh yourself on an empty stomach you get a better understanding of where you really are. Here’s a tip: don’t weigh yourself multiple times during the day to ‘see how you’re doing.’ That number can go as high as 5 to 10 pounds more than your actual weight. Even if you’re feeling impatient, wait until morning and wait until your weigh in day.
You don’t want to live your life by the scale, so step back. Once you’ve chosen your weigh in day, focus on making healthy choices throughout the week. That way you’ll be confident when you go to weigh yourself…whatever the number may be.