For Effective Weight Loss, Step Away from the Scales!

A number of years ago every morning, the first thing that I would do when I got out of bed was jump on the scales to see if I’d had effective weight loss, if it had stood still or if I’d actually gained weight! Always slightly nervous of the result that I would see... Sometimes the scales would say that I had lost a couple of pounds, which would make me feel great for the rest of the day. More often than not I’d treat myself that day to some form of baked goods to reward myself for doing so well…but that’s a whole other (emotional eating)story. Sometimes the scales didn’t move. I couldn’t begin to tell you how bad I felt (I’m sure you can relate), I knew that I’d been good. I had worked out at least 3 times a week and followed my diet so why didn’t I see results! From that point the negative voice popped into my head, you know, the one that says... “If I’m not losing weight what’s the point” “I’m always going to be this heavy” “This is too hard, I give up” It wasn’t until a couple of years later, when I really started to take an interest in the health & fitness industry, I realised exactly what I had been doing to myself. Constantly talking to yourself in such a negative way causes your self-esteem to hit rock bottom and the ‘scale obsession’ to get out of control which is what happed to me. I realised things had to change and if this sounds like you too then...I want you to ask yourself a question and I want you to answer with total honesty. “Am I also talking to myself in this negative way”? “Do I have a very close relationship with my scales; perhaps too close and slightly unhealthy”? “Am I in control or am I allowing exte al forces to control me”? Okay, you can and must stop this craziness today and I’m going to show you how. First, get your scales and either: A. Throw them away (don’t give them away as they may fall into another ‘scales obsessive’s’ hands!) B. Lock them in a cupboard and throw away the key, ok maybe not throw, give the key to someone else for safe keeping. C. Tape a picture of your favourite food to the scales with a note telling you to stay away from them. Secondly you need to tell yourself that the best way to measure effective weight loss is to literally feel the difference by the way your clothes are fitting you. ACTION PLAN ~ don’t delay, take actio TODAY! Go to your wardrobe and choose an item of clothing that you haven’t been able to fit into for a while. Then try this garment on once a month and keep a note of your progress with your garment and note how different you are feeling. Your Progress List should include these questions: Is it getting looser? Has it been easier to get out of bed in the mornings? Do I have more energy throughout the day? Has my dress size dropped? Can I fit into a smaller pair of jeans? My favourite progress checker is compliments. Are people that you haven’t seen for a while complimenting you on how great you look? That’s just the most amazing feeling… I know that weaning yourself off the scales is hard but next time you have an uncontrollable urge to weigh yourself, listen to that inner voice that’s crying out... “DON’T DO IT"! “STEP AWAY FROM THE SCALES” Listen to it, pick up the scales and put them in one of the places we discussed earlier. Follow these tips and I promise you that your self-esteem will grow and you will finally be able to see and feel your effective weight loss results have made a lasting change to the way you view your body and your life. Remember one important factor that so many people seem to overlook when striving for a toned and lean body. Your health… This should always be at the top of your priority list because at the end of the day, if you haven’t got your health then what exactly do you have…. We should all be very thankful for that.

Stay fit, keep focused and feel fabulous. Best wishes Steph Rice Author of The Sexy Flat Stomach Solution