To weigh or not to weigh? Over time my thoughts have fluctuated around how often to weigh. On the one hand, none of us really needs to use a scale. We have lots of ways to know where we are, and where we aren’t, right? If you wear fitted clothes, you know right away where things stand depending on how the clothes feel. And of course there are mirrors and photos.

When I went off plan and had the big gain, I wasn’t getting on the scale. I avoided it like the plague. I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to deal. I knew my clothes were getting tight, so I just picked the “expandable” parts of my wardrobe.

In the A-team support group, we have Weigh In Wednesdays (WIW). This is not necessarily about sharing how many pounds or sharing numbers, but more of a weekly weigh in on how you’re feeling, a check-in with the group. It is a call to accountability. You share what you feel like sharing. Some members choose to steer clear of the scale because it messes with their psyche. Some choose to hop on only occasionally, and some may weigh everyday. I get asked from time to time what’s recommended regarding the scale. I think how often you weigh is really up to you, and whether you feel it’s helping you get to your goal. 

For me personally? I need a marker on the road. I want to know how many miles I’ve traveled, or whether I’m sitting in denial. Milestones and small goals work for me. Whether you weigh everyday or once every few months, if it’s undermining your mood or putting you in a negative space, it’s probably time to do some work on defining your mindset based on a number. If, on the other hand, it helps you stay accountable and focused on your goal, it’s just another tool of support. 

I steer clear of weighing every day because my weight can fluctuate by several pounds on a day to day basis which can make me feel too neurotic and too attached to the numbers. My current rule is to weigh at least once a week on Wednesday mornings and then post the results on the A-team. 

Over the past three and a half weeks, I’ve been in recovery from shoulder surgery. For several months before surgery, I was dealing with steady pain which prevented me from doing my usual gardening or walking. Because it’s still difficult to wear pants that button/zip or snug shirts, I’ve been lounging around in sweats and yoga pants with loose fitting tops. It’s much harder for me to gauge progress when my current wardrobe is so accommodating. The stretchy fabrics give me no clue as to where I am. So of late, I’m hopping on every few days. I also have a progress chart I post in once a week, and once a month I will take measurements (bust,waist,hips). When I feel myself wanting to blow it off, I know it’s time to center, and get honest about where I am and harden up the lines. When I’m doing well, i.e. sticking with the plan hardcore, I find hopping on the scale is no big deal. Having the bottom line rule of a once a week weigh-in keeps me honest.

During my recovery, I’m not allowing myself to get too bummed about the numbers. The weight loss is slower than it was previously, even though I’ve been sticking pretty close to the lines. I’m not as active, so a 1 pound a week loss is OK for now. I’m healing, and I’m staying vigilant and determined. This is when having a very specific plan is so important. I know this formula works when I work it, so it’s easier to trust the process and remain patient, allowing myself to heal. 

What are your thoughts about the scale? If you feel compelled to share, I’d love your comments below.