I bought a scale.
I know a lot of people don't like weighing themselves because they want to focus on how they feel, how their clothes fit, etc, etc, rather than focus on a number. And, in truth, I don't disagree with that approach at all. I've actually never owned a scale before. If I weighed myself, it was usually at the gym. I generally preferred to focus on how fit I feel, how my clothes fit, etc, etc.
More recently, though, I've been thinking a lot about buying a scale. When we were on our house hunting trip earlier this summer, the people Chica and I stayed with had a scale in our guest bathroom, and Chica and I weighed ourselves daily. Truth be told, we weighed ourselves multiple times daily: right after we got up in the morning, after we pooped (lost 2 pounds!), at night right before bed, etc, etc. It was kind of ridiculous, actually. But interesting for me to see how, over the course of the week, I lost a pound or so, not so much from exercising a lot but more from eating healthily. The scale provided a bit more accountability when it came to making decisions about desserts or snacks; it made the consequences of the decision more concrete for me than the abstract "it's not good for me; I shouldn't eat it; have a sense of discipline, would ya" self-talk that I usually do.
Anyway. After my first week at boot camp, I was curious to know if my efforts had any impact on my weight. I'm tired, that's for sure, and I think my legs and arms are getting a bit more tone, all of which is good. But I also wondered about weight. And so, off to Target I went to buy a scale. The result: going by this morning's pre-workout weigh-in, I've lost 4 pounds so far. Given that I don't yet see drastic changes in my body, that number is motivating to me. It helps me keep on the right track with eating well and moderating my treats when, really, I'd love some Ben & Jerry's.
Ultimately, I care less about the final number as long as I'm trimmer and healthier. For the time being, the number on the scale is more a means to an end, not the end in itself.
Trying to balance academic life with a healthy lifestyle.
3 comments:
I was reticent to have get a scale until recently as well, but I'm glad I did. It helps keep me accountable and I try to only weigh myself once a day at the same time (first thing in the morning). I'm at my lowest weight then and seeing the number before I eat anything for the day makes me more aware of my food choices.
I think it's great that you found a good scale and weigh ins are helpful.
Plus, it sounds like boot camp is going well and giving you great results! :)
I need the scale. When I see it go down I feel good, better than "oh these pants fit better"
Just make sure you use the same scale every time since they're all different and that can mess with you.
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