Women my Women!!
Have you heard about “Non-Scale” Victories (NSV) yet?! If you haven’t then this post is FOR YOU!
By definition a scale is -> a device to measure weight or mass.
That’s it. Your scale is a “device” that measures mass, nothing more. It measures the mass of your physical composition of cells – bones, muscle, water and fat (we do need some fat people!!) What it doesn’t measure is your:
- Mental well-being
- Physical well-being
- Emotional well-being, or
- Spiritual well-being
And I think we would all argue that those factors are FAR more important than what a device, on the ground, provides us in numbers? Yes, no, maybe so?
Now, hear me out – I’m not against scales. They can absolutely be useful. Scales are important for children to ensure they are growing proportionally for their age, stage and make-up. Scales are important during pregnancy to ensure a mama (in addition to her blood pressure, blood glucose, and other medical markers) is progressing in a healthy way. Furthermore, the scale is important for your annual physical as a measurement for disease prevention and longevity. And yes, I do think it’s ok to personally check in for yourself, say after Christmas (which tends to run for a couple weeks vs. one day) and laugh about the sugar cookies that loved you a little too much.
The most important variable is your personal relationship with the scale. This is far more important than the act of stepping or not stepping on one. If stepping on a scale sends you into immediate turmoil, OR if this tends to be the only factor in which you measure healthy living or progress – than – GIRLLLLLLL, there IS a BETTER way!
Remember – the scale only measures “mass.” It does not measure your well-being, symptoms, or vitality – and – THAT my friend is what [ Non-Scale Victories ] are ALL about -> the complete picture of health which truly how “well” we feel, not just the absence of disease!
Here are my Top-20 Favorite NSV:
- Glowing hair & skin
- Stronger nails
- Menstrual cycle regularity!!!
- Fertility improvements (i.e. cervical mucous quality/a more obvious ovulation window)
- Improved energy
- Blood sugar balance
- Improved MOOD*** -> less anxiety/depression/worry
- Better, more-sound sleep
- Less gas, constipation & bloating
- Improved “regularity” (i.e. bowel movements)
- Less stiff, painful muscles & joints
- Increased libido
- Improved immunity (less illness and time away from life!)
- Fewer food cravings
- Improved self-image & body image!
- Improved self-esteem & self-confidence!
- Clothes fit more comfortably
- Less reliance on food for enjoyment, comfort or punishment
- Stronger! Ability to work-out longer and harder
- Visible muscle tone
Ladies, the fitness industry is changing! Can I get a “glory hallelujah?!” Fitness is focusing more and more on longevity, mental and spiritual health; and ALL of the ways to measure progress which expands so much farther than just a number. You, my friend are meant to SHINE! God intended for you to be of a strong mind, body and spirit. If you have been working out, eating well, and feeling great but have not seen the number on your scale change, then I will challenge you to reframe your thinking. Go through this list – what other ways have you noticed growth?! Or on the other end, if you have reached your desired “weight” (quote/un-quote) but feel depressed, have low energy, libido and mood – then perhaps something might need to shift!
To close – the scale is not good or bad, it’s a tool. It can be important, but is it not necessary for day to day use. Some A-type thinkers, thrive on data and a scale. For their personality and make-up, precise measurement tools actually provide freedom. For others, and most of us (I would suggest) it poses risk of derailing amazing, healthy efforts. Personality, which is an entirely other conversation, is actually really important when it comes to healthy living. The main take away for you is to ask yourself, is the scale bringing me joy? If it’s not, then ditch it and move on! There IS a better way!
In Freedom!
Beth
