One of the biggest bugbears I hear from women in peri and menopause (actually make that women of any age!) is that they are putting on weight. 

We’ve been conditioned to be slaves to the scale and most of us have a history and an unhealthy relationship with the scales and the numbers it gives us. 

Now I totally get what it feels like when you just don’t feel good in your own skin. Your clothes might feel  tight, maybe you become more bloated as the day progresses, your cycle can trigger fluid retention and about a hundred other reasons… 

But what I often hear is “I’m not losing weight” or I’ve put on X number of kilos.

I understand that it can be really frustrating to work hard to maintain a healthy body weight, only to step on the bathroom scale and see the numbers going in the wrong direction - or not quickly enough in the right direction!  Then the “F&*K it” factor kicks in and all of your consistency goes out the window! You are worth more than an arbitrary number on an outdated appliance!  

Today I’m going to give you 10 good reasons to toss out your scales once and for all - and why they are the WORST measure of your health and wellbeing.

1. Scales can create an unhealthy fixation on numbers It’s a number, don’t let it be a measure of your self worth. 

2. Scales don't measure overall health They do not reflect improvements in your energy levels, digestion, quality of your relationships or your mental wellbeing.

3. Scales can be a source of stress There are enough stressors in our life, we don’t need to worry about a number dictating how we do or don’t nourish our body. 

4. Is the number you’re aiming for actually realistic? Aiming for a “number” you may have been once upon a time… how hard was that to maintain and how long ago was it? 

5. Scales don't reflect body shape or clothing size Are your clothes feeling tighter or looser?  Is it weight gain or has your body shape changed

6. Scales can be inaccurate How old are your scales anyway? Have they been recalibrated recently… or ever? Unlikely. 

7. Your HORMONES! Menstruation and ovulation can cause a natural 2-4 kilogram variation every month. 

8. Scales can be misleading Fluctuations occur naturally and daily/weekly/monthly changes can be up to 4kg. A litre of water = 1 kilogram A big poo = 300grams

9. Scales don't differentiate between fat and muscle Building lean muscle tissue is what we are after to support our metabolism. 1kg muscle = small compact brick 1kg fat = bulky and lumpy cushion

10. Scales can be affected by water weight Dehydration after waking up, fluid retention, eating a salty or carb heavy meal, inflammation…can all mean our cells lose or hold on to water. It doesn’t mean we’ve put on body fat overnight. 

I hope this convinces you that the scales are a terrible measure of your true health!  You are worth WAY more than a number! 

 

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