Ditch the scale

The scale is not always a good measure for weight loss because it doesn't provide a complete picture of body composition or overall health progress. Here are several reasons why:

1. Muscle vs. Fat: When you lose fat and gain muscle, the scale might not change much, even though your body is becoming leaner and healthier. Muscle is denser than fat, so you might weigh the same but look and feel better.

2. Water Retention: Body weight fluctuates daily due to water retention, which can be affected by factors like sodium intake, hormonal changes, and hydration levels. This can lead to misleading spikes or drops on the scale.

3. Fat Loss Takes Time: The scale might not reflect progress in the short term. Fat loss occurs gradually, and other changes like reduced inches or improved body composition may happen without significant weight changes.

4. Focus on Health, Not Just Weight: Non-scale victories, such as improved stamina, better mood, healthier blood markers, or fitting into smaller clothing, can be more meaningful indicators of progress than just a number on the scale.

5. Psychological Impact: Focusing too much on the number can lead to frustration or unhealthy behavior if the scale doesn't move in the expected direction, even though positive changes are happening in other areas.

Using other methods, like body measurements, how clothes fit, or fitness improvements, can give a more accurate representation of progress.