Screw You Scale

Diet and scale have become two of my least favourite words in my vocabulary. Why? Simply because you shouldn't think of either thing, ever.

When I was growing up, and into university I always thought the only way I was going to get rid of those extra 5 pounds was to diet. So I did. I would make up a meal plan that even a rabbit would have a growling stomach from, check my weight 1-2 times a week, and then when things didn't work I would get so stressed out and frustrated.

Now that I'm older and I would say more knowledgeable on the healthy side of living, I do not diet and as of one month ago, I won't ever set foot on a scale again. Here's why:

The scale provides you with a number. That's all. It tells you how many pounds of stuff are in your body. This is a combination of fat, muscle and in my case boobs. A number means nothing. I started to realize that I wanted to FEEL better, and that meant clothes fitting well, not being so sluggish, being able to wake up with energy in the morning, and in general just smiling more often. The number on the scale stressed me out, especially after I was going to a fitness class and knew I was progressing very well, but the number on the scale didn't show it. So one day I yelled at the scale and said screw you, and well I haven't stepped foot on it since. I'm not gonna lie, curiosity might get me on there again in a few months once I start seeing my physical appearance change, but for now I'm very content leaving that a mystery.

You cannot live a healthy life if you are constantly dieting. Dieting is only temporary and once you get off that diet, you're going to just go right back to where you started. I know this speaking from multiple experiences that it tends to leave you more disappointed. You need to make a lifestyle change, and get rid of all your bad habits instead. Once you slowly get rid of those habits, you'll feel like a new person and you won't even turn back.

Some of my bad habits I have gotten rid of for good, and some I go back and forth with but for the most part these are what I'm working on:

No Eating After 8 PM
No sugary drinks (juice, pop, frappucino's...)
Not sitting for the entire day
Not using my phone before bed (stop about 30-60 minutes before)
10,000 steps per day (now that I'm walking to/from work every day, this is becoming a piece of cake)
Keeping Track (of everything: sleep, activity, food intake, steps)

These ones I have conquered, and I have been happier because of them:

Drinking 8-10 glasses of water/day
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night
Not snacking at my desk (well if I have to, it's fruit or almonds)

I am definitely still a work in progress, but I've come to terms with the fact that it's going to take time to make significant changes. It's the baby steps that help me realize that if I can accomplish one thing every week, I'm on my way to where I want to be.

"Life's a climb, but the view is great" (still my favourite quote)