Member-only story
Five Times To Never Get on the Scale
Ignoring this will cause you unnecessary angst
In my 25 years as a weight-loss counselor, I’ve heard lots of pretty stupid statements. It seems that some dieters love punishment.
When they return home after a vacation, they immediately jump on the scale to see how much damage they’ve done. “Oh my!” they shriek. “I gained eight pounds in two weeks!”
Another client told me she always weighs herself as soon as she gets back from a trip. “I need to know how bad I was, and the scale gives me an update.”
What nonsense! As you know, the scale number doesn’t necessarily reflect your recent actions.
While some people are capable of regaining weight rather quickly, most of what you see during these times is from changes in your body’s fluid levels.
Even if you are totally comfortable with your scale, there are times you should not get on it, under any circumstances.
Five Times to Never Weigh Yourself
1. Vacations
Right after a vacation, you’ll nearly always see a false jump in your weight.
In an effort to manage the challenges of travel, stress, and your mother-in-law, your body attempts to gather extra resources.
This typically results in fluid retention, which increases your scale reading. But the higher number reflects the shift in fluid levels, not a true weight gain from added fat stores.
Even simple changes to your routine can affect scale numbers. Eating new or different types of foods as well altering your exercise levels and sleep patterns can all cause fluid retention and a higher scale reading.
2. Holidays and celebrations
Whether you’re enjoying a holiday season or a small celebration for Easter or Memorial Day, special-event meals will challenge your body’s internal balance.
Even if you don’t think you ate too much at a holiday party or your mother’s birthday dinner, be sure to allow your body a few days to get back to its normal balance.
