I learnt a new phrase recently called Non-Scale Victories or NSVs. NSVs are milestones or successes, however big or small, which are not related to the amount of weight you lose according to the scale. Here are my NSVs;

Yesterday I was able to fit into some white trousers that where so tight on me before despite only losing 4lbs in 6 weeks. Words cannot describe the feeling, when I was not only able to wear them but I could also zip and button them up. Yes, they were tight but they were not uncomfortable. I was so excited I wore them all through yesterday even at work (even though they were not office wear). I even wore them at the gym & they didn’t split. So, although I have been feeling disappointed that my weight loss, as shown on the scale is slow (I even gained a pound one week & was considering abandoning this journey), I am now very happy that I am obviously losing inches all over my body. This proves that I am losing fat, if not weight. I just wish I had used a tape measure at the beginning of this journey to see how many inches I have lost so far. Bring on another 6 weeks.

Another of my NSVs, is that I am getting stronger. I was able to do 2.5 chin-ups & 2 bench dips at the gym yesterday. 2 months ago, I was not even able to lift a small bucket of water. That was how weak I was. Using 500ml bottles of water for arm exercises was difficult, & I could not manage up to 10 reps. Now, I am able to use 10-15lb weights, depending on the type of muscle I am working, for at least 12 reps. I have also realized that I am now able to run up the 3 flights of stairs at home without having to stop. A few weeks earlier, I couldn’t walk up those steps without feeling like I was about to die & I would take multiple breaks in between. These points are beneficial to me because I am a pharmacist by profession & lifting boxes, climbing up & down ladders, standing on my feet, & running upstairs at various times in a day are part of my job description. I am finding myself less tired after work & look forward to going to the gym.

So all in all, I have now realized that I can get some much needed benefits from this healthy living lifestyle asides from the number on the scale. I need to be happy that all my hard-work is paying off in some way. The weight will come off in time even though not as quickly as I would want, but I will reap some other successes that will be beneficial to my life in general. With NSVs, I will be able to find other healthful ways (apart from the scale), to celebrate my overall progress during my weight loss journey.

What are your NSVs?