This post is sponsored by Eat Smart for their battery free digital bathroom scale.
Over the holidays I gained some pudge. Thanks to a 12 week whirlwind of a Hawaii vacation, Thanksgiving, birthday, Christmas, New Year, and culminating in a week at Disneyworld in January. If I’m honest though things were going South before that. 2016 was a pretty great year for me financially but I quickly realized that training clients 1-on-1 and teaching yoga classes has a limit. There is only so much you can do, with the time and energy you have. I had nothing left in the tank for MY workouts. So I gained a little pudge. How did this escape my notice? Because despite being a fitness professional, I’m human. I was simply too busy living life to notice. Plus, I honestly can’t remember the last time I stepped on a bathroom scale so I have no point of reference.
Body weight doesn’t tell the whole story
I know that body weight doesn’t tell the whole story, but it’s a pretty significant chapter. Think about if I’d weighed myself regularly as I started to put weight on and noticed it creeping on would I have changed my habits sooner? Maybe, maybe not. A 10lb weight gain doesn’t happen overnight. The weight creeps on over time. You might start to notice your clothes getting tighter. Plus we all have particular body area’s where are prone to holding excess weight. There are definitely other indicators of weight gain/loss and weighing yourself of the scale is ONE tool in that toolbox.
Body weight weighing tips
- Weigh yourself the same time/day every week. We’re creatures of habit. Thinking about weighing yourself first thing Monday morning? Let’s face it Monday morning is bad enough without being confronted by a number on a scale. How about Weight It Wednesday? Or Fitness Friday morning instead?
- Weigh yourself first thing in the morning, preferably after a bathroom break. That means the same day, same time, same place! This will ensure consistency with weighing after <ahem> bodily functions.
- Wear just your birthday Suit or light clothing. If you go to bed in PJ’s then hop on the scale in those. But ditch the hiking boots and thick jeans. If you want to, then go “au naturale”. I usually weight myself in my underwear before I get dressed and walk the dog.
- Beware the flooring. Put the bathroom scales on a flat non-carpet surface, tiled bathroom floor is ideal! Readings on carpet can differ due to it being an unstable surface.
- Don’t be tempted to hop on other people’s scales. Not only may they be on carpet, you’re wearing clothes too, and it’s 10pm, and you just ate. Plus they are probably not calibrated correctly. But mostly because horror of horrors they may be the new “smart scales” which send data to your app. And now your friends not only know you used their scaled, but also know your weight!
- Ladies beware. If you are weighing yourself daily you may fluctuate drastically with hormones. I’ve known women have gained 5lb during their period and freak the freak out. If you see a huge change overnight check your calendar ladies, you may be experiencing hormonal weight gain.
- Don’t sweat it! Small daily fluctuations in weight are normal. Especially hormones, holidays and vacations. BUT – If the number KEEPS going up, then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
A fresh look to old school bathroom scales
Most women I know step on their bathroom scale every morning, and I admit I used to. Until the battery on mine ran out. Which rendered the bathroom scale little more than flashy decor. Sure it had all the bells and whistles. It connected to my phone, told me my body fat percentage (which was never accurate), and basically had technology out the wazoo. BUT, it needed batteries. I don’t know about your house, but in our house batteries are like Gold Bullion. Seriously, I’m pretty sure with all the gadgets we have, that we keep the energizer bunny in karats.
True fact: My parents are still using analogue bathroom scales. While I like “old school” analogue they can be a little imprecise as it’s tough to determine where the needle is really pointing. So when the folks at EatSmart asked if I’d review their new battery free digital bathroom scale I jumped at the opportunity.
Using a bathroom scale for accountability
I’m currently taking part in the Gold’s Gym 12 week transformation TEAM challenge (employee). So back on 24th January I had my weight and measurements taken. Which was a good thing, because I have that point of reference. Since then, I’ve been tracking my calories and exercise with Garmin and MyFitnessPal. However, not having a working scale at home was hindering my progress. I didn’t know what needed tweaking (diet/exercise) without knowing if I was getting results and losing weight from my efforts. The EatSmart digital bathroom scale is making my life easier as it’s battery free and is super simple to use. Plus it’s chic and slimline.
Easy to use
The EatSmart battery free digital bathroom scale is super easy to use. Simply tap the silver button in the middle of the scale and the power generation technology provides the scale with power for 50 seconds. Step on. Get your weight (in lbs or kgs) and done! No batteries required, ever! The scale auto shuts off and has a large 3″ LCD display which can be clearly seen. I like that I get my weight pretty much instantly, without waiting for it to ‘power up’ or connect to an app.
Other ways to track your health
Remember that body weight is just part of your health story. You can also track exercise. Trying to beat a running or lifting personal record. Maybe you have physical health issues like high blood pressure that you need to get under control. Both of those are also great ways to help with overall health but also think about body composition. Whilst some people are a good weight for their height, their body composition is totally out of whack. BodyBuilders and some athletes are obese according to BMI charts, but their ratio of muscle:fat is astounding and obviously they are not obese. Weight does not tell the whole story, Instead of thinking lbs lost, think about inches lost. If you are trying to become a smaller size then measure your body circumference of at least your: chest, waist, hips, and thighs.
My 12 week transformation plan
I plan on using ALL the tools at my disposal to lose weight. Along with working out and tracking my food, one easy way is to check my weight and get myself back on track for my health. For me that’s using the EatSmart battery free bathroom scale as a way to keep myself on track for the 12 week challenge so I can see that my calorie deficit is optimal for losing weight.
Disclaimer: I realize that for some this post could be triggering. While weighing yourself can be an indicator of BMI and health. If you find you are obsessively weighing yourself multiple times a day please seek out professional help as you could be suffering from a weight related eating disorder, or body image disorder.
Questions:
Do you weigh yourself? If so how often?
Are you happy with your weight?
Anyone else’s family get through batteries super quick?
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by EatSmart. While I received compensation for this blog post all opinions are my own.
Vegan protein chocolate raspberry pancakes!
Veronica
These are some great tips! I don’t have a scale and I was thinking of getting one. So this seems to be a good option.
Di Hickman
Thanks!
Carolyn
I only weigh myself occassionally but it definitely is important. I do it in the morning before I eat or drink anything on a tile floor. No need for any extra pounds to show up. 🙂
Di Hickman
yep tile is great!
Angela Tolsma
I have a scale that connects to my phone and it’s great. It’s really help me get out of my rut. But I definitely don’t care about the number it’s more about how I feel at certain weights.
Di Hickman
Yes! I definitely was not feeling great with the extra pudge!
Nikki
I never weigh myself, but my weight has always stayed the same pretty much. I am right on the low end for my height and weight and I keep healthy by light exercise and just keeping active with sports. I agree though that you can’t just use a scale to track progress!
Di Hickman
Yep! More than just a number on a scale
Amanda Love
This post is reassuring. I don’t like weighing myself, instead, I make sure that I eat healthy and that I do my regular exercises and that’s it. I think these are great tips though.
Di Hickman
Going by how your clothing fits is a good indicator!
Journa
What an amazing product! A great product for those who wants to lose weight like me. Thanks for the great tips!
Di Hickman
you’re welcome!
amber
I just signed up for sessions with a personal trainer and I could not be more excited! I try to go largely off of how my clothes fit and how I feel.
Di Hickman
Yay! Glad you’re excited to start your fitness journey!
Kristin
That’s me…every month. Five pounds??? What! Bwah! These are great tips. I need to remember to check to make sure it’s stable!
Di Hickman
I admit I can fluctuate by 5lbs during my period!!!
Alison | So Chic Life
Ok don’t get me started on gaining pudge! The battery in my scale went out and by the time I weighed myself I’d gained 5 pounds. Just finished an online bootcamp program which incorporates alot of weight training so the scale can be deceiving when you are adding muscle. Muscle weighs more than fat so I have to be careful when it comes to weighing.
Di Hickman
This is a myth. Muscle doesn’t technically weigh more than fat. A lb is a lb regardless of what it is. However muscle is denser meaning it takes up less space.
Blythe Alpern
I actually don’t weigh myself that often because it makes me mad. I tend to use measurements and how my clothes feel. Of course having a good scale might eliminate my desire to through my current scale out the window.
Di Hickman
hahaha I can relate, I tend to go by my clothes more than a scale, But having a baseline can be important depending on your goals
Toughcookiemommy
Having a good scale is important for holding yourself accountable to fitness goals. This one looks like it is sleek and modern.
Di Hickman
Yes I like it. Mostly because it fits nicely under the cabinets!
Amber Nelson
No, I am not happy with my weight, but I absolutely hate scales. I like to go by my clothes, mostly.
Di Hickman
Clothes are a great indicator of body shape!
Shelby
I am weighing myself daily because I am pregnant and want to make sure I am gaining appropriately. I try not to fuss if the numbers fluctuate a bit, but I find it helpful to have a general idea of what I weigh. I found these tips very helpful.
Di Hickman
Definitely a good idea to keep on track during this time. Nutrition is key during pregnancy
allison
Great tips! I always struggle with bathroom scales and wondering if they are truly accurate or not!
Di Hickman
Hahaha me too!
Amy Desrosiers
I could use a good body fat scale. The scale I have now is much too basic for what I need.
Di Hickman
The best way really for body fat is to get hydrostatically measured. There are trucks that go around the country making it more available these days. The bodyfat scales aren’t that reliable.
Tereza
This is such a good post – I used to be obsessed with weighing myself and it was never healthy! My weight is ALWAYS the same, no matter what I do because it’s a cycle of replacing fat with muscles (and sometimes the other way around when I slip haha). x
Di Hickman
Yep I weight about the same now as I did 20 years ago but look considerably different. More muscle
Jessica Lawson
I am currently in recovery with an eating disorder (going on 5 years of recovery) I word it that way because it never really goes away and will always be a part of who I am because of that I do not keep a scale in my home. I will go to my mother’s house every few months and weigh myself or get weighed at the doctor’s office because if I have a scale at home I get obsessed with it.
Di Hickman
Yes totally understand that Jessica. Having a scale in the house could be a real trigger for you <3
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I love how easy that scale is to use! When I am on a diet and exercise plan, I get into the habit of weighing daily..I had gotten so well that I could tell you what I would weigh the next morning, by weighing myself before bed. I was always within a couple of ounces. Always know your weight!
Di Hickman
Yep I have to say weighing myself daily has been an eye opener. Definitely overdo things on the weekends
Jessi
I totally avoid my scale lol. I need to probably get new batteries for it and get back on actually paying attention again
Di Hickman
see those dang batteries!!!