Ditch the scales?

[glitch]

I'm thinking of ditching the scales completely, and just using a hand-held body fat monitor and tape measure as an indication of how well I'm doing.

I'm fed up of being disheartened by what the scales say, even though I feel great with this WOE, and I know I've lost inches.

Reckon this is a good idea?

[Moochiecat]

I think that if this is something that will work for *you*, then it is a marvellous idea!
You may want to have a monthly weigh-in day just to keep track of things but that's up to you.

Give it a shot for a few months and see how you feel about it. Good for you for recognizing that this is an issue for you and for taking control of it!

[not2late]

Dr. Atkins wrote that the loss of inches is more representative of fat loss than the loss of pounds because losing inches means the fat is emptying from your fat cells. That's why on Atkins a weight loss plateau is defined as no loss of pounds or inches for 4 or more weeks.

Personally, I weigh in once a month. But I measure more frequently. So, I've seen the times when the scale hasn't budged, but I've lost inches and fit into smaller clothing. Due to that I don't pay much attention to the scale. Let's face it, no one knows how much you weigh unless you carry a sign that says "Hi, today I weigh ______" But people and you will notice how much thinner you look and how much better your clothing fits.

[Isabeau]

I'm about the same as not2late. I weigh myself maybe once every couple of months but measure about every three weeks. I've gone from a very unfit person to a pretty fit person, even at this weight. (My doctor even referred to me as an athlete!! That was weird!) I measure my success now by fitness goals. Running further or faster, cycling endurance, swim endurance, weights lifted etc. I think that if you're not one of those people that have to deal with metabolic resistence, if you stick to your Atkins, exercise, drink water and take your supplements, you'll be successful and feel great.

[Bub]

I don't think body weight means much. Body fat is a true indication of how fat we are. Evander Hollyfield (sp) is at about 215lbs and is considered obese by his BMI, but his body fat is about 12%. He has sixpack abs, yet he is fat? I don't buy that. Your lookin good bud, keep it going. Mark

[Pineapple]

I agree with you! I dropped a dress size but didn't lose anywhere near the ten pounds required to do it. I pulled out the tape measure and discovered why.

[glitch]

It's settled then! The scales will only be allowed to see daylight once a month!

[Sheshy]

I think it's an excellent idea...I weigh every 4 to 6 weeks and for me not having to deal with the fluctuations of weight really help me stay on track!

Good luck!

it is so much better not to fixate on your scales!!! my vote is to ditch them as well!!!

I only weigh at work once a week ...period....today was the day...

[changing]

Yaaay for scales in the closet!!!