You've been counting your calories down to the very last macros, you've been hitting your step goal in, you've swapped out sugary snacks for vegetables and you've been committed to your workouts, so why aren't you seeing the numbers on the scale move in the direction you want them to?
First things first, keep going. Don't give up just because you're not seeing the numbers go down at all. There's several other ways to measure your progress as I will tell you further down in this post.
Bin the scales, or as they're now referred to as. the naughty step. Yes the scales tell you your weight but they don't factor in your body fat percentage, muscle mass, water weight, hormones etc...it literally is just a number.
Since when did we get so obsessed with numbers anyways? Surely we should be talking about how we're feeling, visible difference, how our clothes fit and how confident we feel in our body? I definitely think you can't achieve any of the above with scales so why not take a look at the other ways you can track your fitness journey.
One thing I must get across to you before you ready any further is that your weight loss journey will not be a straight path. it never is. Even body builders and the leanest machines don't have a linear journey. As something I tell my clients and is pretty much self-explanatory is trusting the process and plan, being consistent and being patient. Nothing comes easy or overnight otherwise we'd have an industry of personal trainers looking for new jobs!
Before and after photos
I don't take before and after photos of my clients to get great feedback on my social channels (although it is a bonus!) but I also show my clients how different their body has changed even when the number of the scales may not have.
I recommend taking a photograph every week at the same time in the same clothing and in the same lighting. Set a reminder in your phone to do so. Take a look at your progress on your phone, look at your body shape, has your form changed much?
Your clothes
There'll be no doubt that when you lose bodyweight that your clothes will become a little bit loose. Those tight skinny jeans may not feel as tight anymore, that fancy blouse may start to drown your frame...it also works both ways too. If you gain weight your favourite skirt may become snug.
Be aware that a lot of retailers do differ in size, so you may be a size. 12 in one fashion brand a size 10 in another, so don't be too disheartened. by this. I'd advise trying on the same pair of jeans every week or so to see if you feel much difference.
Compliments - because who can say no to compliments?
If you have friends that are honest as mine then they will compliment your progress. Just because it may not be visible to you (I mean, we do see ourselves every day so of course we're not going to see much change!) but to a friend who has not seen you for a few months changes in your shape will be clear.
Your attitude towards healthy lifestyle choices
There is more to health than just numbers on the scale. Look at your lifestyle choices. Did you once shudder at the thought of a Zumba class and now you can't get enough of them? Would you rather McDonalds than macros? Was the gym just something you seen on TV?
Check in with yourself and write down what choices you've made towards your health. You'll find this exercise more rewarding than you think.
You may also notice a change in your mood too. Do you feel more energetic whereas before you may have felt sluggish and unsociable?
Monitor your measurements
A good old fashioned tape measure has more than just uses of measuring up those sofa cushions you know.
Take a measurement of your waist and hips as an alternative to stepping on the naughty step. Make a note of your measurement and check in every 7 days. Don't stress if the numbers don't change, it can take a while to see inches drop from your waist.
Would you like to know more about how to transform your body ?
Follow the link bellow to sign up for coaching with myself online or 1-2-1
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