Does Weighing Yourself Hurt or Help You?

Recently I wrote about some of the lasting benefits from Fitbloggin’. Another bonus of Fitbloggin’ was the various sponsors who gave away products to review. One thing that I picked up at the expo was an EatSmart Scale bathroom scale (I haven’t owned a scale in ages)

There are two fairly strong camps concerning scales and weighing regularly.

For some people, weighing regularly can be discouraging and be unhealthy … both to their diet and to their self-worth.

For other people, regular weighing is a tool they use to monitor how their eating habits are affecting their body.

I think each of us needs to find what works for us … by asking ourselves some honest questions and then making the decision that is best for ourselves.

Some questions to ask yourself …

Does weighing regularly benefit me? Does it help me treat my body better or worse? Is it something I do to take care of myself or is it a compulsion? Can I separate my self-worth from my weight? Can I be content at a weight that is healthy for me even if it’s not the ‘ideal’ weight that some chart somewhere says I should weigh? Or am I not weighing because I’m living in denial about the health of my body?

I’m sure there are more questions we could ask ourselves … (leave any I missed in the comments) Once you’ve honestly thought about yourself, a bathroom scale and your health … then you probably know the answer as to whether or not you need a bathroom scale.

If it’s a good thing for your health, then …

A great scale to use is an EatSmart scale.


The EatSmart scale looks great and fits into my bathroom perfectly. Plus, it’s so easy to use. You just step on it and it turns on. After a few seconds of different numbers lighting up (add music and you almost have a  dramatic Biggest Loser weigh-in) your weight lights up.

As I said I haven’t had a scale in ages, for years I lived in a semi-denial state. I went by how my clothes fit to determine if I was at a good weight, but most times I carried some extra weight, but I didn’t really want to deal with it. But since being injured, I’ve been more concerned about keeping my weight low because it’s best for my legs. They don’t need additional stress. Plus as I age (trying to grow into a fine wine) I’ve realized living in denial about anything doesn’t help.

So having a scale recently has been helpful. I weigh two or three times a week. I don’t drive myself crazy about the number, instead I use it as a measuring tool for my health. And I’m happy to have lost five pounds since May.

Thank you EatSmart for making a great product and for giving me one at Fitbloggin’. I plan to use it as a tool for my health for many years to come.

You’ll find more info about all the EatSmart products at their website and/or on Amazon. Also connect with them on Twitter … @EatSmartScales and Facebook at EatSmart Products

Tell me what you think of scales … do you love them? Hate them? Curse the person that invented them? Or use them as a tool?

 

Bookmark and Share
  • http://kclanderson.com KCLAnderson (Karen)

    My relationship with the scale has gone both ways over the years…I stopped weighing myself well over two years ago when it became something that I both obsessed over and dreaded. 

    The measurements that mean the most to me right now are my BP, cholesterol, sugar, resting heart rate, and so on. So that’s a good question to add to your list: “are my numbers in the health range and/or do I need prescription medications to keep that way?”

    The only issue that was problematic for me in the past was cholesterol and I was on Lipitor for around 15 years. I’ve been off it for two years and my #s continue to improve…in fact, they’re fantastic, as are the rest of them. I am very proud of that!

    Another important measurement is my waist. It fluctuates a bit depending on the time of month but in the time since I’ve been measuring it, I’ve lost six inches. But in the past few months, I’ve gained an inch or two (not related to time of the month) and so I am working on remedying that! I don’t know if I’ll ever get on the scale again…I never say never! :-)

    • http://www.JanetOberholtzer.com Janet Oberholtzer

      Karen, good to hear your thoughts and that’s a great question to add. 
      Improving numbers – yeah, good for you!
      And  you’re so wise … to never say never. I’ve gotten myself in embarrassing spots already by saying it and then changing my mind later. 

  • Kathy Stewart

    I had major back surgery in 2006, 2-year recovery, and dreaded weight gain. Joined Weight Watchers, lost 65 pounds, have now kept it off for a year, and am horseback riding again – YAY!! I weigh myself EVERY morning. I have even taken my scale with me while horse camping. Obsessive – Yes. It keeps me on track, my back says thank you, and my horse does too :)