Why scales aren’t a measure of success

• By admin
• Posted in health, myths
• On July 16, 2016

So you have been working out, training hard but when you stand on the scales they tell you that you have put on weight.  Why?  The answer is simple – the scales can’t detect or measure the changes happening in your body.

So what are these changes?

Change of body composition – while weight is important, the amount of muscle you have is more important. Muscle takes less space than fat, giving you that slim look. When you exercise, you gain muscle and lose muscle which won’t show up on those scales – the real indicator is the way you look or fit into your clothes.

Changes within your body – inside your body, there’s a lot going on. As you exercise, your body is learning to release more fat molecules. The fitter you become, the more you burn.

Greater endurance and strength – have you noticed that walking up those stairs seems a little easier or when you go for a run or walk that you can go longer? These are all indicators of you successfully getting fitter. Of course, if you’re watching the scales, these are the things that you’re going to miss.

So who cares how much you weigh, or what a machine says?

The key is that you want to look different!

But remember, if you ramp up your training too much and don’t consume enough calories in the process, your metabolism will slow down and your body will struggle with energy, recovery and aches and pains. Mmm, sound familiar?

The secret to continued weight loss is balance. Checkout these simple tips:

Tip 1. Eat 5-6 small meals per day, rather than just 3. This improves insulin sensitivity (insulin can and does convert sugar to fat).

Tip 2. Make better food choices. Yep, you can eat carbs, but they have to be the right carbs.

Tip 3. Drink more water, as many of the metabolic processes take place in water, as well as water being linked to a rise in metabolism.

Tip 4. Don’t avoid fat altogether, or you won’t metabolise it. Opt for mono and polyunsaturated fats over trans and saturated fats.