The Scale

Posts: 1,386
4/14/13 12:56 P

I am thinking the scale is far too needless when it makes people so adamant in it's day to day prediction of whether one did right by it or not. The scale rules too many peoples decision to binge or not because of inadequate numbers either minus or plus. Sad situation, I might add. It doesn't need to tell an individual if they did right or wrong, they already know this, why rely on a metal weight projection?

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (14,987)
Fitness Minutes: (5,588)
Posts: 704
4/14/13 12:48 P

I weigh every day in an effort to stay on track. If I don't I become over-confident that I am staying close to 1200 calories and I'm not really. I've been holding for what seems to be months - oh it has been at least a couple of months. But holding is better than gaining. I'm going to the fitness ctr as soon as I finish this. I've not been there for 2 wks. I'm in a Friday weigh-in challenge and some Friday I hope to break through my current hold wt. Until then, folks, I will continue the daily scale relationship.
Have a great day,

current weight: 190.0

215 206.25 197.5 188.75

180

SparkPoints: (7,293)
Fitness Minutes: (4,363)
Posts: 244
4/14/13 9:24 A

The scale is not the only thing, if clothes are looser - gain in muscle take over what was fat, so look at the all over picture

SparkPoints: (13,791)
Fitness Minutes: (10,200)
Posts: 406
4/14/13 9:13 A

The Scale can make or break my day. I try to limit my weigh ins to two a week and just focus on tracking my food and exercise. I am losing inches and starting to get my shape back.

current weight: 171.0

178 173 168 163

158

Posts: 2,437
4/14/13 12:30 A

I have no problem with the scale. If I hung in there....the scale shows it..........if I endulge the scale shows it. I always know; exactly what to expect when I weight myself. There are no surprises.

Irene

SparkPoints: (149)
Fitness Minutes: (130)
Posts: 1
4/12/13 12:03 P

Great job you are doing. Keep up your good work and it will pay off.

Posts: 612
4/12/13 9:10 A

I used to be like you guys- My whole focus was whatever the scale said. If I gained, plateaued, or didn't lose as much as I expected, then I gave up. It was so disappointing to put forth that effort and not have any results!

After doing that a dozen times, I realized that I needed to change how I looked at this journey. Yes, I wanted to lose weight, but really, I want to be smaller, be healthier, lower my risk for the plethora of diseases related to obesity.

So this time I took a new approach. I determine progress by measurements, how much exercise I get a week, the number of fruits and veggies I eat, and how low my sodium is each day.

The measurements help because I always show a loss with those, and I don't always on a scale. I do weight and measurements about once or twice a month. That way, even if the scale stays the same, I know I am losing fat- and that is the goal.

I win pretty much every day, because if I do at least one of the others, I count the day as a success. So far, I am doing better (and feeling healthier) than I ever have in the past. And that is what I want. I am so much happier to be out from under the shackles of the scale. I have seen others say it, and I agree- It is not the best, and likely the worst, measure of progress.

Best of luck.

current weight: 193.2

247 221.5 196 170.5

145

SparkPoints: (1,895)
Fitness Minutes: (1,212)
Posts: 18
4/11/13 11:42 P

The scale is nasty and mean and in spite of all my efforts NO weight lost yet! I'm not happy. 🐷😪 Don't know what it takes anymore. 🎱🎱Very discouraged! 💧💦👎 At least the Giants are winning! Yeah!⚾⚾⚾

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.85 23.7 35.55

47.4

SparkPoints: (3,285)
Fitness Minutes: (4,345)
Posts: 2
4/11/13 8:08 A

You are a true inspiration! Thanks for posting! I am thinking ,now, of getting one of those scales, too. I agree, Sparkpeople is a huge help.

SparkPoints: (1,277)
Fitness Minutes: (572)
Posts: 64
4/11/13 1:13 A

Original Poster - Don't stress so much about the scale. The important thing to do is to make sure you weigh yourself at the same time everyday. My preference is as soon as I get up, after my bathroom break. I try to wear as little as possible for an accurate body weight. I started my diet April 1st. I'm 23 years old. I've been 20x your size my entire life. I've lost 7lbs since then and when I looked at the scale this morning...I hadn't seen a number this "low" on the scale since my last serious diet in 2010 before I got really sick with Cyclic Vomitting Syndrome (which, one of my side affects turns out to be extreme nausea and vomitting with too much physical activity or heat). I take it slow and enjoy the little victories in my head. The idea of that number on the scale makes me want to hold off on all the goodies I was binging on before. Don't take that wrong - I still get cravings - a lot. I'm a binge AND emotional eater. But....I'm doing the best that I can and that's what matters to me at the end of the day. It's been a really hard adjustment, especially doing it alone. Keep up the good work and the best of luck to you.

Pounds lost: 19.0

0 15.25 30.5 45.75

61

SparkPoints: (2,561)
Fitness Minutes: (2,393)
Posts: 11
4/10/13 10:56 P

I feel thin until I get on the scale. I am a thin person trapped in a fat body! lol

Pounds lost: 47.0

0 51.75 103.5 155.25

207

SparkPoints: (1,110)
Fitness Minutes: (767)
Posts: 6
4/10/13 8:50 P

No not really when I lose 12 more lbs it will be 100..wow..I just didn't even realize that about myself. . Been struggling so long. ..
You kind of opened my eyes just now. .

I have my picture in my pic gallary from when I first started. . You know I never realize how far I have come. I always think of myself as obese.. seeing that's what the doctor said.

Thank you. . For pointing it out :-)

current weight: 211.0

216 212 208 204

200

SparkPoints: (1,110)
Fitness Minutes: (767)
Posts: 6
4/10/13 8:49 P

No not really when I lose 12 more lbs it will be 100..wow..I just didn't even realize that about myself. . Been struggling so long. ..
You kind of opened my eyes just now. .

I have my picture in my pic gallary from when I first started. . You know I never realize how far I have come. I always think of myself as obese.. seeing that's what the doctor said.

Thank you. . For pointing it out :-)

current weight: 211.0

216 212 208 204

200

Posts: 1,386
4/10/13 8:19 P

lol, I was talking about you! I have 56 lbs to lose total, and I don't weigh in until June 20th at my Dr's office. I was proud of the fact that you have almost lost 100 lbs. TDKGIRL Did I read it wrong?

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (1,110)
Fitness Minutes: (767)
Posts: 6
4/10/13 8:00 P

Holy Wow!!! That is fantabulous!!!!! I hope I can say that about me one day! your amazing!

current weight: 211.0

216 212 208 204

200

Posts: 1,386
4/10/13 7:54 P

TKDGIRL Hey, almost 100 lbs lost. I would say that is more than

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (1,110)
Fitness Minutes: (767)
Posts: 6
4/10/13 7:48 P

I have a scale that reads your fat and water.. love this scale.. at first I only paid attention to the lbs.. It went down.. my attitude that day was great.. the next day I gained what I lost.. and I was in a pissy mood all day. The next day it went down.. I got happy. What a way to live.

I learned the scale changes, when eating too much salt..or retaining too much water.. or your sugar on overload.. anything can tip the scale including.. gaining muscle! and here you think your getting fatter when really your slimming down.. but if the scale reads higher numbers.. you won't know.. .. .. but BMI.. thats different.

I couldn't understand what I was doing wrong.. until I learned about BMI.

Having high BMI means you could be.(Carrying excess body fat, not muscle, puts you at greater risk for health problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke)
So here @ sparkpeople I have learned that its not all about the numbers on how much you weight.. but just as important if not more.. BMI! ! I learned not to over eat.. I learned portion control and I learned to drink water when I reached my limit of fat .. carbs.. proteins.. I decided.. not to even look at the calories.. well

In two days.. I lost 2 lbs.. and ever since then.. the scale has not gone up.. my pants are much looser! I noticed also.. I have more energy..

So much to learn about ones own body.. because everyone is different and this is what works for me. I am actually happy this is something I can live with.

I tell you.. I started at 302lbs.. and it has taken me so long to learn what works.. and if it wasn't for sparkpeople.. I would prob still be 302 lbs. I am now 214... still working hard , I want my BMI at 24. Right now its at 36.6.. for me I am so much closer then ever before.

Water.. Water.. Workout..Workout.. rest rest.. eat plenty of of veggies and but proteins and carbs must be balanced... this is what works for me. So now my scale is going down.. and staying down..

lower..

lower....

Good luck on your life journey.. *



Edited by: TKDGIRL23 at: 4/10/2013 (20:05)

current weight: 211.0

216 212 208 204

200

SparkPoints: (10,348)
Fitness Minutes: (12,655)
Posts: 73
4/10/13 6:12 P

The scale and I have had a rocky relationship at times. The first time I lost all the weight, I used the scale daily, and it kept me on track. But this time around I'm trying to stretch it out to weekly instead. I become obsessed with the numbers and I need to focus more on how I feel.

Pounds lost: 18.8

0 13 26 39

52

SparkPoints: (15,554)
Fitness Minutes: (3,303)
Posts: 485
4/10/13 1:37 A

I don't always like what I see on the scale but I find that weighing in every day helps to keep me on track. I don't record it every day but I use it as a gage to see if anything needs tweaking. Today I loved my scale because I lost 3 lbs. (LOL)

Pounds lost: 21.0

0 7 14 21

28

Posts: 448
4/9/13 12:30 P

I weigh myself every Monday morning. I think about that when eating on the weekends, especially Sunday night! I used to weigh myself every day and it just got stupid after a while. One week I might lose .5 and another 2 but as long as it is less then I am happy. The daily weighing just drove me nuts!!

Posts: 321
4/9/13 12:06 P

I keep remembering that it will move eventually.
I didn't gain this week in a week. month or year...
It may take a while to master these new habits and exercises!

Keep the faith. A year from now you will be happy you continued!

Pounds lost: 11.8

0 8.75 17.5 26.25

35

Posts: 123
4/9/13 10:28 A

Looking at your scale your long term is working - keep it up!!!

current weight: 175.0

190 181.25 172.5 163.75

155

SparkPoints: (3,692)
Fitness Minutes: (3,498)
Posts: 22
4/9/13 10:25 A

I have a love hate relationship with the stupid scale! The days when I loose weight I'm in love with it. The days that I gain I absolutely hate it. This morning I stepped on and it said I gained a pound. How do you gain a pound when you worked out for an hour the previous day and stayed bellow 1500 calories? I futily ask the scale this with no response... Stupid scale.

I've figured out that some days you win and some days you loose but its the long term win in this war with being overweight that matters!

Pounds lost: 68.0

0 26 52 78

104

Posts: 1,091
4/9/13 7:26 A

It keeps me honest.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 6 12 18

24

SparkPoints: (87,428)
Fitness Minutes: (78,035)
Posts: 3,197
4/9/13 7:01 A

my daily companion!

current weight: 99.0

146 134.25 122.5 110.75

99

Posts: 321
4/9/13 2:11 A

is not my friend

current weight: 157.0

165 158.75 152.5 146.25

140

SparkPoints: (395)
Fitness Minutes: (349)
Posts: 4
4/8/13 10:17 P

After reading all your comments I had to ask myself why I have been avoiding taking my measurements?! Perhaps if I didn't measure myself for a starting point... I would magically wake up at my finish point?!!?? Argh, time to just do it. I know that is what will keep my going when the scale refuses to cooperate. Thanks for the reminder :)

current weight: 183.0

187 176.5 166 155.5

145

SparkPoints: (4,311)
Fitness Minutes: (8,763)
Posts: 9
4/8/13 9:28 P

Citymouse's comments really put it into focus! I have been battling with the scale over 5 pounds for about 10 years now. Even with the extra pounds, my clothes fit better. I need to remember it's not just about the number on the scale which as many others note fluctuates, and we know doesn't tell the whole story. Thanks for reminder; I'll pull out my measuring tape that I've had for almost 20 years now.

Posts: 1,386
4/8/13 3:26 P

I still don't see the real me in the mirror, because when I see a picture I freak.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (4,291)
Fitness Minutes: (3,825)
Posts: 48
4/8/13 3:03 P

I agree. I don't see myself as overweight until I look in the mirror or step on the scale.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 16.75 33.5 50.25

67

SparkPoints: (4,985)
Fitness Minutes: (3,772)
Posts: 374
4/8/13 2:53 P

I don't see myself as being overweight. In my mind's eye I'm still the skinny, strong, young thing I was 40 years ago. If I don't weigh myself every morning to bring my brain back into the present I tend to over indulge throughout the day.

Edited by: BEBARB149 at: 4/8/2013 (14:56)

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

Posts: 231
4/8/13 2:45 P

Posts: 123
4/8/13 2:22 P

The scale to me has always been a good motivator that I did things right for the day. But unfortunately it has not been moving. One thing I have noticed since I started exercising is that scale is always the same in the morning as it was the night before. It use to at least be a 3-4 pound difference at night....At least I hope that is from exercising and not a broken scale :)

current weight: 175.0

190 181.25 172.5 163.75

155

Posts: 7,768
4/8/13 1:20 P

Scale schmale. We get so obsessed by the numbers on the scale!! My goal was to wear a size 6 and weigh 140 [back when I weighed close to 240]. Guess what? I wore a size 6 at 165 and at 140 a size 0. I did a lot of strength training and got extraordinary results of those efforts.

Use the scale as a guide but never as your benchmark....instead, get yourself a tape measure, because while I plateaued at 165 for almost a year, I lost inches all over. The trusty [two dollar at WalMart] tape measure doesn't lie. Invest in one, instantly!

current weight: 148.0

235 206.25 177.5 148.75

120

Posts: 969
4/8/13 12:23 P

When I was in the wieght loss phase, I weighed in daily, as that kep me motivated! Now that I am in maintenence, I wiegh in once a week, as i know that the way I eat now, my weight stays the same within a couple of pounds...

Eve

current weight: 111.6

146 137 128 119

110

Posts: 490
4/8/13 10:33 A

Pounds lost: 29.6

0 10.75 21.5 32.25

43

Posts: 1,386
4/8/13 10:23 A

I like that! "Whatever floats your boat...." We are all definitely different in our beliefs and approaches. Another saying "Whatever works for you". All we can do is offer tidbits as to what worked for us. But we all have a different metabolisms, lifestyle family needs, cravings that seem to have the upper hand, unless we can overcome them. And it all factors in to what makes up "you" In my case "Sweets begone" you don't live here anymore. I look at my future as to what I can do to still have great meals and snacks, but that they all have to be healthy. I want to put together my own pizza with all natural ingredients, and fresh tomatoes as to pizza sauce. There are ways, yes there is!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (59,378)
Fitness Minutes: (6,936)
Posts: 4,090
4/8/13 10:15 A

As the saying goes, What ever floats your boat.

I am a daily weight measurer primarily I like to plot my weight over time and the more data points I have, the more representative the plot is. Just a CDO of mine.

CDO? That's the alphabet soup for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I insist that it be in alphabetical order.

current weight: 170.3

225 208.75 192.5 176.25

160

SparkPoints: (8,517)
Fitness Minutes: (6,681)
Posts: 602
4/8/13 9:50 A

Mari-Serv. I agree with you on the scale. I will continue to do my weighing in on Wednesday. And not get frustrated if it does not move in the right direction. But continue to focus on my eating and exercising.

Again, thanks for the post.

Laura

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

SparkPoints: (5,617)
Fitness Minutes: (595)
Posts: 921
4/8/13 8:07 A

For me weighing in once a month works. Weigh in the same time of day, on the same scale and wearing the same clothes for better accuracy.

I use to get on the scale everyday but that is just tooooooo! frustrating for me and not necessary. My weight will fluctuate from morning til night and day to day. Sometimes that 1 or 2 pounds won't show up on the scale right away.

For me it is more important to focus on my eating and exercise than on the scale.

Edited by: MARI-SERV at: 4/8/2013 (08:10)

30 Days since:  Night Eating

0 12 25 37

50

SparkPoints: (407)
Fitness Minutes: (242)
Posts: 3
4/8/13 5:34 A

I'm a newbie here, and this is part of my regime for a new me.
As with anything I undertake and know nothing about, I'm immersing myself and obsessing, so I'm on the scales first thing EVERY morning. I know its not necessary, but I want to get my head into the habit of thinking in a new way so I thought saturation treatment!
I'm trying to begin by breaking bad habits and starting new good ones..a good exercise plan, thinking about what I eat.
Once the good habits are established, I hope I can normalise somewhat...and stop boring my friends with it !

Edited by: CUTECHRIS2 at: 4/8/2013 (09:26)

Pounds lost: 4.0

0 16.5 33 49.5

66

Posts: 252
4/7/13 7:52 P

can be rewarding or disappointing

current weight: 376.0

422 399 376 353

330

SparkPoints: (16,968)
Fitness Minutes: (9,635)
Posts: 593
4/7/13 7:10 P

I like to weigh myself once a week also, preferably in the morning before I eat. I know that sometimes our weight does fluctuate a couple pounds so I don't get real concerned if I am within a couple pounds especially when maintaining. However, it helps me when I need to lose weight to see the pounds come off. I just had a baby, so I currently need to lose weight again. The scale does help me a little with keeping motivated. Though I know I also need to look at other measurements.

Pounds lost: 6.4

0 10.25 20.5 30.75

41

Posts: 19
4/7/13 6:42 P

I find it really discouraging stepping on the scale one day I will have lost weight and feel on top of the world, and then the next I am back up and plus more, then I just give up. Im not sure that if I dont get on it that I will see if I am losing weight or not. I am hoping that going from never excerising to exercising every day for 30 minutes I will see a difference.

Pounds lost: 8.0

0 12 24 36

48

Posts: 1,386
4/7/13 6:05 P

Putting too much “weight” on the scale. Hanging all your feelings of success on the numbers on the scale can be a diet disaster. You should only weigh yourself once a week, says Gail Curtis, assistant professor at the Wake Forest University Health Sciences department of physician assistant studies in Winston-Salem, N.C. Curtis recommends tracking other short-term health goals, such as eating more veggies, walking daily, or drinking water instead of soda, that will give you a sense of accomplishment.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 5
4/7/13 5:40 P

I just started using it again, and right now ... at least ... I really need the scale. It reminds me that I'm on a diet. A few times during the winter I felt inspired to start being weight conscious again, but the battery had died in my scale. Quickly, the inspiration passed. Right now I'm weighing myself every few days. It is part of the ritual of becoming extremely calorie conscious. I know that a healthy weight loss is no more than 2-3 pounds per week. May eventually switch to once per week ... for now, though, weighing is a great control mechanism. "If you eat those sourdough pretzels this evening, you will have to face the scale tomorrow morning." That's enough to put me in check. I don't want to see the snack food I eat on the scale the next morning. So I don't eat it. If it weren't for that moment of reckoning, I'd be more likely to let myself slip.

Posts: 852
4/7/13 11:14 A

I changed my ticker to pounds lost as well. It does seem far more positive and a nice reminder of what I've done so far and what I can continue to do.

Pounds lost: 80.0

0 31.25 62.5 93.75

125

Posts: 13
4/6/13 2:29 P

I agree with those here who say once a month is a good time to check in with the scale, ESPECIALLY for those of us who let the scale beat us up and sabotage all of our hard work! Even weighing once a week discourages me when I hit a plateau or get close to my end goal. It's not worth letting a number dictate our self-worth. Clothes are a good indicator, energy and stress level another, and definitely the measuring tape :). No matter what the scale tells you, you CAN do this, and we can ALL meet our goals. Slow and steady wins the race, people!

current weight: 136.6

148 143.5 139 134.5

130

SparkPoints: (6,857)
Fitness Minutes: (8,601)
Posts: 104
4/6/13 1:04 P

I don't like to weigh myself because then I start thinking of myself like that number. If I'm exercising consistently and eating well, I don't worry about it. I think more about how my pants are fitting.

I was weighing myself once a month but I decided to stop that because I don't even trust what my scale says. Sometimes it can be different depending on where I place it in my apartment!

May Minutes: 828

0 250 500 750

1000

Posts: 1,386
4/6/13 12:29 P

Once a month is great! When I first lost my initial 46 lbs here on Spark, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I lost each month. Several of them were 10 lb. loss's, I was stoked and kept it up. In former dieting I weighed myself morning, noon and night, and seeing the flux and water gain and whatever caused serious binges. Now I weigh every 3 to 6 mos. when I visit my Dr. One Sparker said that weighing during maintenance makes more sense, that way you can see what is needed to maintain. Thats when the "scale" is your friend.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (3,970)
Fitness Minutes: (2,424)
Posts: 110
4/6/13 6:10 A

ok so I hate my home scale and should realy toss the thing, as it is about 15 pounds off from my Dr's scale.
As far as weighing myself I do it once a month (officially) at my nutritionist office. So I go by what her scale says. Now if I coud just get thenumbers to go down!!!!!!!!!!

current weight: 311.0

320 288.75 257.5 226.25

195

SparkPoints: (32,307)
Fitness Minutes: (31,532)
Posts: 2,029
4/6/13 1:24 A

I agree with weighing in once a week at the same time of day. I have done daily weighing but it can be pretty frustrating -with the changes in fluid levels. Guess we're like a car. Sometimes it just doesn't seem to make sense. Drink lots of water to keep your system flushed and hydrated, weigh once a week and TAKE MEASUREMENTS!! Sometimes the non-scale victories are real eye-openers that you really are making improvement. Track your food, exercise lots and burn those calories and accept that the scale does not tell the whole story. If you persevere you will continue to lose and meet your goals.

current weight: 173.0

209 197.5 186 174.5

163

Posts: 1,386
4/5/13 8:16 P

The scale would be a good maintenance tool. That is my plan. Once I reach goal I would have to monitor my weight. So scale would come back into use. But until that time, it is on a time out.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 1,510
4/5/13 8:01 P

We all do what we have to do, but avoiding the scale is how I gained the weight in the first place. I'm NOT going back there! If the number upsets me, the problem is in my head not with the device.

It's too easy to deceive myself with subjective measures. There's a reason the percentage of people who maintain weight loss is so low. I want to know the truth early enough so I can stop any upward trend.

Yo-yo dieting is a way of life for too many. Weighing myself every morning is my plan to avoid this. I'm not obsessed or number crazy or any of the other terms thrown around. I want this weight loss journey to be a one time thing. That's all!

182 Maintenance Weeks

0 50 100 150

200

Posts: 2,571
4/5/13 4:09 P

Since March 9th I've lost 22.5 lbs (due to diagnosed food allergies) and there were days I'd get on and be 5 lbs lighter and then the next day I was up 3 and then yadda. Three days ago I'd "gained" 4 lbs back, today I was 6 lbs lighter. The "experts" recommend only weighing in one day a month, for those menstruating the optimal day is 12 days after the first day of menstruation. Not that I FOLLOW that advice LOL!

current weight: 246.0

278 258 238 218

198

SparkPoints: (4,291)
Fitness Minutes: (3,825)
Posts: 48
4/5/13 10:50 A

Changed my ticker to pounds lost. Seems more positive than looking at my weight all the time

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 16.75 33.5 50.25

67

SparkPoints: (12,813)
Fitness Minutes: (8,258)
Posts: 141
4/5/13 10:01 A

thanks kenligrace for the info on muscle vs fat it makes sense to me!

current weight: 169.0

220 206.25 192.5 178.75

165

SparkPoints: (1,150)
Fitness Minutes: (340)
Posts: 1
4/5/13 9:39 A

Hi,

Just an fyi... my digital scale booklet states NOT to place on carpet, for the same reasons you mentioned. Try not to do so and place elsewhere for your scale time. You will see a big difference.

current weight: 159.8

210 195 180 165

150

Posts: 18
4/5/13 9:35 A

I absolutely love BlingQueen's comment "Don't step on anything that makes you cry."

What great advice.

In reading through these posts, I find that we aren't all that much for different. Obsessed by an arbitrary number on a mechanical device that we give way too much power to.

Me included.

Especially since I gave up all things sweet (candy, cookies, ice cream) on April 1st, weighed myself yesterday morning and hadn't lost any weight.

I fully expected (as illogical as it is) to have lost 10 pounds by now.

~ Dorothy
www.dorothysmountainhome.com

Posts: 1
4/4/13 5:55 P

I purchased a Withings wifi scale before I ever joined Sparkpeople. I LOVE this scale. I had to learn acceptance of my weight, and after a few weeks, I was ready. The scale logs everything into an app - it's a no-brainer! I weigh myself about once a week. I now LOVE my scale, love getting on it, love the changes happening. Like logging food, it keeps it "real" for me. It is more an "accountability" tool that a judgement. I know they regardless of what the scale reads, the weight must come off (and does.) The good news is it also calibrates TO THE POUND with my physician's electronic office scale!

Good luck everyone!!!

SparkPoints: (4,985)
Fitness Minutes: (3,772)
Posts: 374
4/4/13 4:50 P

Obsessive but ingenious, Augustdragon!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

SparkPoints: (11,127)
Fitness Minutes: (914)
Posts: 270
4/4/13 4:47 P

For the truly scale obsessed, I have been known to get out the postal scale and weigh the clothes I am going to put on on the day I have to weigh in at my TOPS meeting! Yep, I'm guilty. That takes obsession to a new height.

current weight: 178.0

204 190.5 177 163.5

150

Posts: 1,386
4/4/13 4:07 P

Good for you HENRYNOLAN stay true to your plan, and you will not be disappointed.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 810
4/4/13 1:12 P

the scale and i are currently so unhealthy for each other (i.e. i let the scale dictate how i feel about myself and my fitness and healthy living efforts FAR too much) that i've had to hide it away. i've made a promise to myself to not check it again for 4 weeks, instead of obsessing over it like i normally do... here's to hoping this helps!

current weight: 217.0

311 278.25 245.5 212.75

180

Posts: 680
4/4/13 11:25 A

the scale is only 1 tool in the kit, try to keep that in mind.

current weight: 259.6

295 252.5 210 167.5

125

SparkPoints: (3,860)
Fitness Minutes: (2,511)
Posts: 101
4/4/13 11:23 A

Hey! I know what you're going through something similar happens to me all the time. I just wanted to share a little helpful information that I think might help. When you put your scale back into the box it can actually de calibrate the scale, which will actually give you inaccurate readings! Keep in mind that every scale is different, but I thought that this might help and make that scale seem not as intimidating

May Minutes: 709

0 300 600 900

1200

Posts: 142
4/4/13 9:55 A

I say, "Don't step on anything that makes you cry!"
Seriously, I weigh myself every Tuesday morning. I take the scale out of its original box, (no kidding), step on it, record the number on a piece of paper, put all of it back in the box and put it away. I tell myself something positive before and after. (makes me feel good)
I try not to think about it cuz lately, it would make me cry....

SparkPoints: (7,783)
Fitness Minutes: (4,745)
Posts: 34
4/4/13 9:23 A

Good point, Kenligrace. I'll take the muscle over fat any day! I'm working on it to make it a reality. The scale is only one tool in this journey and sometimes it really doesn't reflect the hard work before a weigh in day.

Pounds lost: 20.0

0 20 40 60

80

SparkPoints: (131)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 2
4/3/13 6:31 P

I NOTICED THAT TOO!! SOMETIMES, WITH THE FOOD WE EAT OR DRINK THE DAY BEFORE, CAN MAKE US HOLD WATER WEIGHT WHEN WE WEIGH OURSELVES ON THE SCALE, AND SOME PEOPLE GO NUTS!! I WAS ONE OF THEM, BUT NOT ANYMORE, I'M LEARNING ALOT FROM THIS ACCOUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14.5 29 43.5

58

SparkPoints: (131)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 2
4/3/13 6:25 P

SO VERY TRUE!!!

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14.5 29 43.5

58

Posts: 17
4/3/13 4:20 P

Whenever I notice a weight gain of three or more pounds it is usually due to eating a high sodium meal the night before. Drinking water and a good cardio session the following day helps to get rid of the temporary weight gain quickly.

SparkPoints: (21,224)
Fitness Minutes: (18,584)
Posts: 388
4/3/13 3:53 P

I realize it takes 3500 calories to make a pound of fat but that is EXTRA calories over and above the 2000 to 2500 it takes to maintain ones weight. Also I was referring to 2 pounds overnight.


Edited by: MRSVK11 at: 4/3/2013 (15:55)

Pounds lost: 14.0

0 4.25 8.5 12.75

17

SparkPoints: (5,686)
Fitness Minutes: (3,087)
Posts: 12
4/3/13 2:16 P

I wish it took 12,000 calories to make a lb of fat. Its actually only 3500. I also weigh in the am but not immediately after waking, just before consuming anything. I want to have a chance to get rid of any wastes from the previous days meals.

Pounds lost: 31.6

0 23.75 47.5 71.25

95

Posts: 384
4/3/13 2:13 P

being super obsessed with the scale, I had to give it away my personal scale...and just weigh at the gym only.. It is a very hard habit to break. But its the freedom I feel when I don't weigh every day, just knowing what I do by working out and eating I know I am ok.. Right now its frustrating because I am on a plateau and its driving me insane.. for once I would love to break this and right now, its like my body is fighting me LOLOL

I would weigh in the mornings some days I would be one thing.. later on the day if I went in at night I would have easily gained 5-6lbs...

Either way, I have to remind myself.. it is just ONE way to measure my health and fitness and progress.. there are much more ways to measure..

By tracking your food and knowing your doing well,
avoiding your trigger foods easily
going faster, lifting harder, fitting into clothes easier.. having my ring be easier and moving around more..
and much more!!

Here's to breaking the scale addiction!

Pounds lost: 50.0

0 26.25 52.5 78.75

105

SparkPoints: (21,224)
Fitness Minutes: (18,584)
Posts: 388
4/3/13 2:03 P

I weigh myself every morning as soon as I get up, It doesn't stress me out at all. If I'm up a couple of pounds, I do the math...did I really eat the 12,000 or so calories that it takes to gain a couple of pounds of fat? probably not and the culprit is water weight. I'm learning how my body reacts to different foods and activities. When I weigh myself every day I stick to my food plan better, up a little...walk a little farther, eat a little more carefully and down a little just builds momentum. When I skip the weigh ins the weight creeps up.


Edited by: MRSVK11 at: 4/3/2013 (15:55)

Pounds lost: 14.0

0 4.25 8.5 12.75

17

Posts: 1,386
4/3/13 1:52 P

Judge your progress not by the scale (git rid of that thing) but how your clothes fit. I get more reaction with that than losing 5 lbs that week, no one notices that, but they do notice how good your looking. The scale is not your friend. I put mine away long ago, and weigh at the Dr's office like every 3 to 6 months. And he and I are always surprised at what I accomplish and I always seem to accomplish, especially when I work at it. Again quit relying on #'s I read more disappointment into 1 lbs lost or gained. Toss that sucker!! Who ever invented them was a mean old crotchety so and so. Trade the fat for muscle, but not by the numbers but by the effort you know you made! Put scale under street sweeper, next time you know it's coming, or if they are repaving the road, that big round wheel thingie.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (7,887)
Fitness Minutes: (7,671)
Posts: 13
4/3/13 1:40 P

I agree, so addictive! But after not weighing myself for 4 months I put on about 18 pounds :-(

I'm trying to weigh myself only once a week now but it is hard to not obsess about the results when you're trying so hard with diet and exercise. I might set myself a goal on SP to weigh myself no more once a week.

May Minutes: 869

0 500 1000 1500

2000

SparkPoints: (5,686)
Fitness Minutes: (3,087)
Posts: 12
4/3/13 12:34 P

Actually muscle does not weigh more than fat. A pound of fat and a pound of muscle weigh one pound each. Muscle is denser than fat so a pound of muscle would take up less volume than a pound of fat if placed next to each other. Not trying to veer away from the topic but I just recently said this very thing to my doctor and he set me straight. Once I thought about it I realized it is a very common mis-statement many of us make. Which is also why as we begin to gain muscle and lose fat we may look skinnier and our clothes will fit looser but the scale won't seem to reflect the looser clothes. Just trying to be helpful and in no way contradictory in a malicious manner. :)

Pounds lost: 31.6

0 23.75 47.5 71.25

95

Posts: 231
4/3/13 12:22 P

It's all about how clothes feel on. Remember muscle weighs more than fat!

Posts: 245
4/3/13 12:14 P

I'm having the same issue - ck out my last blog Inches vs. Pounds

www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_journal_
individual.asp?blog_id=5300770

I'm done with the scale for a while. It might be good when you're not obsessing over it, but I think it can de-rail you if you are.

211.0 Inches Lost

0 55 110 165

220

SparkPoints: (5,562)
Fitness Minutes: (2,713)
Posts: 105
4/3/13 9:28 A

I can get a little scale crazy. Every day I tell myself, don't weigh yourself this morning...and then I get on it first thing when I wake up. I'm hoping that after a couple weeks I can start to ween myself off of it and just go back to weighing myself once a week. But it is so addictive!

current weight: 211.4

225 211.25 197.5 183.75

170

Posts: 250
4/2/13 10:05 P

Oh believe me I normally only weigh myself once a week anyway but I was weighing myself all over the house to make a point to my husband that digital scales are always off.

Pounds lost: 26.0

0 28.5 57 85.5

114

SparkPoints: (12)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 4
4/2/13 9:56 P

when i first starting losing weight i was scale happy but after 2 months it got alot better,food that would put a pound on me over night.Now i can get a little and still be fine ...

Posts: 250
4/2/13 9:49 P

Unfortunately that's how digital scales are. They are always 2 to 5 lbs off, but when it was put on the carpet it was the big difference. I've talked with several people who say they have had the same thing with their digital scales. I hate all scales :-)

Pounds lost: 26.0

0 28.5 57 85.5

114

Posts: 384
4/2/13 9:41 P

LOL Chessie..



Edited by: JGIRL5799 at: 4/2/2013 (21:41)

Pounds lost: 50.0

0 26.25 52.5 78.75

105

Posts: 1,386
4/2/13 9:14 P

CHESSIE there is something seriously wrong with that scale! Sounds like a take back, and exchange for another one. No matter where you weigh, it shouldn't be that much of a difference
Another reason I do not like having a scale at home. (I do, but it lives in the closet)

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

Posts: 250
4/2/13 7:20 P

Starfish,
I am sooooooooo with you on that digital scale. My husband bought this a few weeks ago and I HATE it! You can get on and weigh 123 and get on a minute later and weigh 456. And try it all over your house each room is different. Last night I put it on carpet and checked it. I like that one, it was 75 pounds less!!! whoo hoo!!!

Pounds lost: 26.0

0 28.5 57 85.5

114

Posts: 11,818
4/2/13 7:36 A

The scale is especially useful when you are tracking a spouse's health factors.

Pounds lost: 20.0

0 10 20 30

40

SparkPoints: (2,594)
Fitness Minutes: (3,044)
Posts: 16
4/1/13 9:07 P

Appril, your post about it being a jaggedy line is right on, thank you for saying it that way! You are right, that if the trend is going the right way the blips dont matter so much in the end. thanks, and im not going to let the jaggedy line get me down ;)

SparkPoints: (126)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 4
4/1/13 7:09 P

I only get on the scale once in a 2 week time frame. Go by the way you look in your clothes and how you feel.

SparkPoints: (4,985)
Fitness Minutes: (3,772)
Posts: 374
4/1/13 2:37 P

What I don't understand is why the sneaky foods don't weigh that much on their own, but once I've put them inside me they weigh so much more. ;-D

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

Posts: 17
4/1/13 2:35 P

current weight: 151.0

170 160 150 140

130

Posts: 4
4/1/13 2:31 P

I agree MJLUVSANIMALS, they both give me fits

current weight: 20.0  over

25 12.5 0 -12.5

-25

Posts: 1,386
4/1/13 2:23 P

I think the scale and sneaky foods are in collaboration.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 14 28 42

56

SparkPoints: (18,744)
Fitness Minutes: (6,947)
Posts: 633
4/1/13 1:44 P

with the daily fluctuations I only count the official weight once a week, Tuesdays in the am using the gym scale.( my home scale reads less, but they use the old doctors scale )

current weight: 156.0

181 169 157 145

133

Posts: 18
4/1/13 1:06 P

Ah... the almighty scale! I have one in the bathroom and I HATE it! Yesterday was Easter and I had a house full. One sister goes into the bathroom and comes out screaming that my scale was off by at least 10lbs. Another sister goes in and comes out saying the scale was off by 3lbs. Another comes out saying she lost 5lbs! ( I have 5 sisters, 2 weren't here). What does this tell me....I need a new scale to hate! hahaha

Pounds lost: 8.0

0 7 14 21

28