Is Your Scale the Only Weight Loss Calculator?

Setting a goal to lose weight is the first great step you can take. The next step is actually tracking the progress to your goal. What is the best way to tell if you are losing the weight you want to lose? How can you calculate your weight loss correctly? Most people rely on a scale to tell them that the extra pounds are gone. It seems obvious that if I weight 150, and want to weigh 135, I just keep checking the scale. But this is actually not a great way to go about checking on weight loss. Here are better indicators of weight loss.

How do you feel?

Most people begin their weight loss program because they feel tired, and overweight. Looking in the mirror, they see someone they don’t want to be. One of the first signs that you are on the right track is that your energy level increases. It is amazing but true that after just a few days on a healthy diet, you have more energy than you did. More energy leads to more movement and exercise, which increases your weight loss. Better self-esteem as you look in the mirror increases your motivation. So first, before checking the scale, check your state of mind and energy level.

How do your clothes fit?

Another great motivator for losing weight is that all your lovely clothes are now too tight. That great jacket you bought for your son’s wedding doesn’t even button. Your favorite new skirt or pants won’t skip up. A great weight loss calculator is to check on how your clothes fit. You may actually not have lost many pounds, but as the body fat gets converted to muscle, you will fit into your clothes much better, and look better as well.

How is your BMI?

More important than actual pounds is the Body-Mass Index, which measures the proportion of your weight that is excess body fat. Many gyms and exercise clubs have the equipment needs to measure your BMI. It is helpful to keep track of the BMI as you begin your weight loss program, and then monitor regularly. Again, as fat turns into muscle, you will see an improvement in your BMI.

How much are you exercising?

Weight loss calculators often rely on telling you how many calories to cut back in order to lose weight in a certain amount of time. However, another way to approach weight loss is to increase the rate at which you burn calories, which means, exercise. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise, such as fast walking. If you can go up to an hour, you are well on your way to healthy weight loss.

Use the scale wisely

Finally, yes, you can use your scale to calculate your weight loss. However, make it a point to check in only once a week. And do it at the same time of day each week. If you check daily, you will become obsessed with numbers, rather than the goal, which is to create a healthy life style, and feel good about yourself. Weight will fluctuate day to day. What you are looking for is a consistent downward trend over time.

Get Help