The scale does not lie… or does it?

There are numerous conceptions and misconceptions about the scale. When people go on the scale and see some reductions in pounds or kilogram, their day is automatically made but when the numbers go higher, their day and mood goes sour. A lot of people especially those at the starting point of their weightloss journey get obsessed with going on the scale in the morning, after workout and before bed, literally every minute. For people like this, I recommend using a measuring tape instead of the scale.

Here is why,

The scale does not lie but it gives ”false truth”. This makes people believe they are not putting in much effort as they ought to. When you measure yourself on the scale, remember the scale shows your total body weight. This includes the fat, the muscles, your body fluids( water, blood etc), your organs and so on. Now the scale does not tell you how much of that weight is fat or muscles.

When it looks like you lost weight but the scale refuses to budge, it probably means you added on more lean muscles. This happens a lot when you strength train(Planks, push ups etc.) or lift weights. Also, water gain affects the number on the scale. An average adult human body has 50 — 70% water content, this allows fluctuations in hydration level. So if you consume too much water or salt before getting on the scale, your body will hold in excess fluids and retain water, this can cause for an increase on the scale.

This is why I encourage measuring inches and taking pictures to track you progress and go on a scale at most, twice a month.

So fret not! If those old tight jeans are starting to get loose but it seems like the scale is not moving or moving really slow, you are most definitely losing weight and adding muscle.