The scale's the thing...

Dear  boys and girls,

This may come as a news flash to some, but the scale is one of best AND worst things you can use for your healthy journey. What?!? The scale can be bad?  Yup.

For a long time, (as in since my oldest was born 7 yrs ago...) I have been a slave to the scale. I was only concerned with the number on the display. When that number didn't change as quickly as I thought it should, or, GASP! changed in the wrong direction, it would crush my spirit. I would be devastated and, since I'm an emotional eater, I'd make matters worse by easing the disappointment with food. Did that help me next time I was on the scale? Um, no. Duh. And then I'd do it again... I'd give up on my workout program, b/c, well, obviously it wasn't working... I'd give up on ME. This is why I've been overweight for years. I allowed myself to be stuck in the cycle.

I had always read about the importance of taking measurements, but never did. I thought it was a waste of time. There was no way I could measure in the same spot. What if I drew the tape in too tight? It's too subjective, right? The scale doesn't lie. I was zoned in on the need to be 125 lbs. I didn't care what size that made me. It was all about the number.

It IS all about the numbers, but not just the one that stares back from the scale. I can not stress enough that you must take your measurements. It is SO important! Since 4/9, I have not lost 1 single ounce. That would have discouraged the OLD me, but what's different now?

People, I TOOK MY MEASUREMENTS!!!! In the same time, I have lost lost 1" off of my waist, 1/2" off of my hips, and 1 and 1/2 " off of EACH thigh. I have gained 1/2" on each bicep. (Oh, yeah, muscles! And muscles burn fat!!) The scale didn't budge, but the FAT DID!!! I'm feeling pretty awesome today. Yep, pretty awesome. And it's all because I measured myself.

I know the scale is the "easiest" number to track. But here's some tips to make taking your measurements a little easier. Soak them up, and then GO TAKE YOURS!!!

Start by wearing tight fitting clothing (or no clothing) and make a note of what you're wearing so you know to wear the same clothes the next time you measure. Here's how to do it:

•Bust: Measure around the chest right at the nipple line, but don't pull the tape too tight.

•Chest: Measure just under your bust

•Waist: Measure a half-inch above your belly button or at the smallest part of your waist

•Hips: Place tape measure around the biggest part of your hips

•Thighs: Measure around the biggest part of each thigh

•Calves: Measure around the largest part of each calf

•Upper arm: Measure around the largest part of each arm above the elbow

•Forearm: Measure around the largest part of the arm below the elbow.
 
WARNINGS:
Hold the tape measure firmly but do not squeeze or dig into the skin..
Stand as you normally would. Don't cheat by sucking in your stomach..
Have someone help you take measurements if possible. This will make it easier to keep the tape measure level.