Scale Surprise

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Here is the meeting summary from Saturday, November 5, 2011.

This week in the meeting room, we discussed how that number on the scale can be influenced by many different factors. We also talked about how important it is to focus on the positives and the other changes taking place in your personal habits and be thankful and grateful for those.

Some of the things that can affect the number on the scale
• The amount of liquid you drink prior to weigh in. Downing 16 ounces of any fluid can cause an immediate "gain" of 1 pound.

• The clothes that you weigh in in. Be cautious, a pair of blue jeans can weigh up to 2 lbs. and that is not including what else you have on. It is a good idea to find a light pair of clothing to weigh in, and then consistently weigh in the same thing. If the weather becomes a factor, you can always change in the bathroom before the meeting, and change back into other clothes after you have stepped on the scale. This prevents the mentality that your weight gain could be blamed on your clothing.

• You're backed up. Constipation can tilt the scale by as much as 2 pounds if it's been more than a couple of days since your bowels did their thing.

• If you ate the Chicken Kung Pao. Have a salty dinner and you could wake up 2 to 3 pounds heavier — your body retains water to dilute all that sodium. It is always a good idea to not eat out the day before a weigh in.

• If you are going to spend all of your daily pointsplus allowance in one sitting, it is probably better to do it earlier in the week and not the day before weigh in.

• Medication can alter your weight on the scale as well. If you have been on antibiotics or steroids lately to cure an illness it could cause a rise in the number on the scale. Also, if you have been feeling a little under the weather do not be surprised to see a big gain or even a big loss. Everyone’s body recovers differently, and a lot of times when we are not feeling our best it is harder for us to stick to the program.

• For women-Hormone fluctuations in the 3 days leading up to your cycle can make you retain up to 5 pounds of water.

• Always weighing at the same time of day is good technique. We all love what the scales say after our morning pit stop and completely naked. But, that number can change significantly by the time we weigh in at the meeting. Just remember that if you have to weigh out of your normal time, that it can make a difference in the number on the scale.

Don’t forget your current progress
Think about all the accomplishments you have made already. When you remember how far you have come, it can open your eyes to your potential and that you are capable to continue pushing and achieving your goals.

Never lose sight of the bigger picture
Most of us start a goal for a worthy reason. Remember why you started your journey. Don’t allow your weight loss goal to become strictly about fitting into a smaller pants size. Keep your focus on the improved health and energy. Remind yourself that you are making an effort to eat better and be healthier. Each day, you are choosing to take a step in the right direction. There are so many other non-scale victories to help us be thankful for our accomplishments!