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Years back I paid much more attention to the scale than I should have. I used to wake up every morning, weigh myself and either be happy or unhappy with the number.
Constant weighing can become obsessive and make you down if the number doesn’t match what you want it to say. It wasn’t until I started eating whole, natural foods and consistently exercising that I stopped paying attention to the scale.
When I started ditching processed junk and choosing whole foods my body was given more nutrient dense foods. Less junk in meant less junky energy out. Fruits and vegetables give me much more energy than a candy bar, without a nasty crash later too.
Running has always been my first choice for exercise. You really don’t need much equipment or gear for running. No gym is necessary, just ground around you. Running is excellent for cardiovascular health and calorie burning, but there was this whole other world I had yet to discover.
That world was strength training. The first time I really got into lifting weights was when I completed 12 weeks of P90X. My strength increased immensely and I found that I could eat more, and actually needed to eat more.
I naturally found an eating pattern that I love and since I’ve gained much more muscle than I ever had before I really only have to maintain it now. 90% of my strength training doesn’t even include weights since I do a ton of body weight exercises.
Muscle burns more calories than fat, and it is also more dense than fat so it takes up less space. Instead of focusing on the scale I look at how I feel, how my clothes are fitting and the energy I have now.
Do you weigh yourself every day? I challenge you to change that to once a week. If you are eating whole foods, not over stuffing yourself and exercising (including strength training) than my guess is that your body will naturally find that happy place it should be at.
Heather
i weigh myself probably 2-3 times a week, but it’s not a big deal to me. i don’t have an emotional attachment to it, and i don’t have a *certain number* i have to be at, it just let’s me know where i’m at. everyone is different though, you gotta find what works for you. š
I really enjoyed reading this post! I definitely ditched the scale long ago. I love that photo of you running with the pooch š
Joe gets so excited any time he gets to run with me š
I would like to know how you get all that lovely produce.We seldom get much of that in the winter,though I have been getting wonderful organic carrots at the European market when I can get there,haven’t been for awhile.I don’t drive in messy weather and some Saturdays I volunteer at our library.Market is only on Sat.,from 9-1. Get eggs there if my sisters hens are on strike.Keep up the good work.
Everyother week I get a delivery of organic fruits and veggies. Usually the quality of those fruits and veggies is really good.
I almost never weigh myself because I know I run the risk of falling into the obsessive compulsive trap. However, I also almost never exercise, so I should probably change that… š