It frustrates me to no end that we have been conditioned to believe that the only or best way to measure our weight loss success is by stepping onto a scale. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While measuring “weight loss” is important, I believe NSV’s (non-scale victories) are just as important if not more so.
There is something to be said about our mental strength. Our ability to push ourselves, to not quit, to resist temptation and to bounce back should be embraced and celebrated. Our mental fortitude is 90% of the process, yet we’re not as quick to recognize and give ourselves credit for these things, especially when the “scale” doesn’t give the feedback we are expecting.
Anytime we change how we think about the process, anytime we become more aware, and anytime we change our pattern of behavior…these things are NSV’s, which should be celebrated to the inth degree.
Here are just a few NSV’s that I am celebrating this week. None of these have anything to do with the scale, which for me is a sweet reward, because it let’s me know that I am thinking differently about the process and that I am more aware of the changes my body is going through.
- I’m not experiencing painful leg cramps every night.
- I have been consistent with logging what I eat on a daily basis.
- I have begun to embrace the fact that this time around I have to step out of my comfort zone and take a different approach on my weight loss journey.
- I have been on a 30 Day No Scale Fast and I honestly don’t miss the stress and anxiety of looking to the scale for validation.
- I had a very stressful week last week and I did not succumb to the pressure by eating my way through it.
Your Turn To Share
In what ways other than stepping on the scale are you measuring your weight loss success?
Lee-Anne Turley says
I had a PT once tell me that the most counterproductive thing that I could do for my health was obsess over my weight on the scales. I took his advice. I know I am successfully managing my weight when my clothes fit comfortably and my back does not ache. I have taken up yoga and have gone from being barely able to touch my toes to substantially increasing my range of movement. I stand taller. I feel better inside and out
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Stacey Strickler says
That is awesome Lee-Ann! I really appreciate you sharing this because I have awful back pain and I know my weight contributes to the pain. It’s encouraging to know that some of the things I am starting to do (ie: stretching and yoga) will benefit me in the long run. I’m glad to hear you are feeling better as a result of your diligence and backing away from the scale. Bravo!!
Patricia says
I learnt that lesson very early over the years. I could weigh the exact same weight but be several clothing sizes different. These days I use progress photos. I take a photo every few weeks. You can see the changes between each one. The scales might not move but the clothing sizes do.
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Stacey Strickler says
Hey Patricia! That’s a wonderful suggestion, to use progress photos. A picture is worth a thousand words right? I’ve had the same experience, stepping on a scale that refused to budge, yet noticing the difference in how my clothes were fitting. Perhaps I’ll start a movement…#trashthescale