Any tips for measuring change without using the scale?

[elainey300]

I hate stepping on the scale.. Any advices to measure change without a scale, at least for the beginning? Thanks a lot!

[WendyB]

I would measure your self every month. It can be just as motivatiing

[josephz2va]

Many don't like weighing themselves daily, but it keeps many focused. And you look for changes you need to do. Such as realizing that Turkey Meal you had was bad or eating McDonald's which is pure evil.

Though another reason is to keep up with size changes. Your body composition if you're focused on losing fat will change your waist, chest, and appendages over time if you're focused on your cardio and weights training.

[elainey300]

Thank you. I try my old clothes to see whether there's change. I wish there were non-numerical way to perceive the change at least for certain time periods.. What do you think about that?

[Heybales]

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@elainey300 wrote:

Thank you. I try my old clothes to see whether there's change. I wish there were non-numerical way to perceive the change at least for certain time periods.. What do you think about that?

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Sure, find some tight clothes that are test clothes - don't wear them normally, and do NOT wash them.

Very discouraging to shrink them and think you gained weight.

Measure many spots, take pictures in mirror (you'll want those later anyway).

[Colinm39]

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@elainey300 wrote:

Thank you. I try my old clothes to see whether there's change. I wish there were non-numerical way to perceive the change at least for certain time periods.. What do you think about that?

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 @elainey300    I used the tape measure in the early days while my shape was changing and the weight had plateaued. Some said that was muscle but in saying all of that I measured the areas as suggested by Fitbit in our weight area (See image). You wouldn't believe it as my weight shifted and then started going down I went from a 42" to a 36" jeans. I had never worn jeans in my life, my wife's suggestion.

[HelenaFitbit]

I weigh in every thursday and measure every saturday. At least when I remember lol. 

The only times I don't is during my TOM since I know my body is retaining liquids. 

My vote goes to weigh in at least once a month or every 15 days, since when you are starting to lose weight, you won't really see instant changes on your body, but on the scale.

If you really really hate it, ask someone to take a photo with the same outfit, tank top and shorts should do it. Take the front, sides and back with your arms open.

Final word, weigh in at the beginning. You'll prefer the numeric motivation than a photo that may not be changing yet or affected by a personal view of yourself (I've been there, I've lost 35+ and I see myself the same).

[SunsetRunner]

In fact there are BETTER ways to track your progress (and regression if it should come!)....scale is only way way..

- pay attention to your overall fitness level.  How long you're walking, pace distance..these improve with dedication.

- check yourself out in the mirror now and then.  Change comes slowly, as you start exercising more you will not only lose some lbs...you'll start gaining some muscle and the shape/tone of your body will change.

-how your clothes fit or loosen up.

Note, these aren't just alternatives to using the scale, I suggest these as things to notice as you get to know your body better.  I suggest (ducking for cover from the majority on here!) not counting calories, grams of this and that.....too much work.  Ditch junk food.  Ditch processed foods.  Eat as many and a variety of plants and fruits as you like.  Only lean meats (if you must) and be sure to pay attention to portion size.  About every 2 weeks, checking out your mirror, your measurements, your scale (or choose which you want to track)....hit a plateau or gain a little or seeing too much padding around your middle, make some changes to your foods.

Not only will you learn sustainable lifestyle (not a diet) but you'll learn your body...what foods have good and bad effects on you...we're not all the same.  Then when you go out or on vacation or wherever you can better stay on program and torpedo yourself.....

(sorry...I digress!)  🙂