For years, society has placed a lot of emphasis on the number that appears on the scale. We’re told that being thin equates to being healthy and attractive, while being overweight or obese is deemed as unhealthy and unattractive. But what if we told you that the number on the scale doesn’t really matter?
First, it’s important to understand that everyone’s body is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and fitness. Just because someone is thin, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re healthy, and just because someone is overweight, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unhealthy. Our bodies come in different shapes and sizes, and what really matter is our body composition rather than the kilograms on the scale.
The obsession with weight and the kilograms can also lead to negative body image and self-esteem issues and this is the main reason for getting de-motivated and sometimes failing to continue in the journey to a healthy lifestyle. This can result in disordered eating habits, body dysmorphia, and an unhealthy relationship with food – which can become an obstacle to your daily life activities and hinder the health and fitness goals you try to achieve.
Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, focus more on body composition. Aim to have good amount of muscle mass and fat mass that is within the standard range for your age, height, and gender. Additionally pay attention to how your body responds to different forms of exercise and focus on eating the right diet that nourishes your body. Both exercise and food come hand in hand as a positive lifestyle change towards your health goals. Remember that health is not just about how you look, but also how you feel and the composition your body is made of. Check our 5 easy steps to improve your lifestyle routine.
In conclusion, it’s time to stop letting the scale control our lives and define our worth specially if one is on a weight loss journey. Never weight yourself on a daily basis; as many factors affect the number you see like constipation, water retention, menstrual cycle or simply an increase in muscle mass. Allow your body to take its time to process the positive changes and this will help maintain the results you achieve for longer periods without causing a shock to your body. Screw the scale!
Written by Caroline Kolanjian | Nutritionist, Kcal
