How To Recognise True Weight Loss Progress
•Weight loss
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It’s called a weight loss journey, so why wouldn’t we fixate on the number glaring back at us from the scale? A lot of us think progress best shows in number form, and while there may be some numbers that matter, a lot of us forget to take a step back and consider how far we’ve come without the digits.
Don’t Weigh Yourself Everyday
Weighing yourself every day is not productive, and it won’t properly reflect your progress. Weight fluctuates, water weight is a thing, and even being on our period can add on a temporary kilo or two! Weighing in every day and obsessing over minor changes can create an unhealthy relationship with your body, and can crush your motivation, which in turn could unravel all of your hard work! You should only be losing 1-2kg per week anyway, so reassess your goals and make sure you’re being realistic.
Take Progress Photos
A visual representation of your weight loss journey is one of the best indicators of progress. It’s the way other people are going to notice your progress, so why wouldn’t it work for you? Photos capture what the scales can’t, such as body composition and muscle definition, and it gives you a more holistic view of your progress. You’ve got concrete evidence of your hard work, and old photos serve as a powerful motivator, reminding you of how far you’ve come and encourage you to keep going!
Take Your Measurements
Now these are the real numbers that’ll show your progress! In the beginning of your journey, whip out the old measuring tape and measure key areas such as waist, hips, thighs and arms. This gives you some insight into how your body is reshaping, highlighting areas of fat loss and muscle toning. It’ll also help you identify parts of your body you want to focus more on.
The number on the scale does not give you an accurate depiction of how far you’ve come – think about it, if your clothes aren’t fitting properly anymore, that’s a clear sign you’re doing something right! The number on the tape measure is more reliable than the one on the scale, and progress photos show your true transformation.