To Weigh or Not To Weigh

Από μια συζήτηση που ξεκίνησε σε ένα αμερικάνικο φόρουμ
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Here's a question that we always ponder in groups: Should
I weigh myself and how often?

Many weight loss programs recommend against weighing
yourself often so you won't get discouraged by the slow
pace of weight loss.

Geneen Roth tells us not to weigh ourselves, or to write the
weight you want on a piece of paper and tape it onto the
scale :-).

An argument could be made either way. I personally like
the accountability of the scale. I like knowing where I
stand.

And most of the time, it is fine. But I just want to be sure.

Weight gain can creep up on you.

Of the members in the National Weight Control Registry, a
group of 4500 successful dieters who have lost at least 30
pounds and kept it off for a year, 75% weigh themselves at
least once a week, 44.5% weigh once a day.

The argument for weighing is that you can react quicker
before too much damage is done.

You may be very afraid to weigh yourself if you know you
won't like what you see.

Weighing is not necessary for everyone. Some people can
tell how they are doing by how their clothes fit.

I am not one of those people.

I need to see a number. But I respect those who are aware
enough to be able to tell by how their clothes fit.

The other reason not to weigh is that it is too devastating.

It is NOT the number that is so insidious.

It is what you TELL yourself about the number. It is about
the conclusions you make.

If you haven't faced the scale in a long time, and you want
to, I recommend getting support. Tell your friend, your
therapist or your coach, then talk about how it makes you
feel, and what you want to do about it.

Don't let it be devastating. Facing the truth can be
motivating as well. It might be just what you need.

In either case, let it be a choice, and remember that weight
normally fluctuates by several pounds. Let it guide your
actions, but don't overreact.

Be kind to yourself. Don't get hooked into negative self-talk
or a downward spiral.

See it as a starting point.



[Edited on 19/9/03 by nido]