Here is an excellent example of how other things besides "being good" on our diet can influence our weight measurements:
After watching this, it occurred to me there are a few things we may do to get a more consistently accurate weight measurement on weigh-in day:
- Try to drink the same amount of fluids each weigh-in day. For instance, I drink a large glass of water each morning when I rise, sip 12 ounces of coffee while I have devotions, and then I have another large glass of water with my medications and supplements. Now, if I wanted to cheat and get a lower weight for some reason, I could easily "lose" a pound or two by abstaining from my morning fluids. I could even "lose" a little more by skipping breakfast. But, neither or those options makes for a consistently accurate weight measurement.
- If weighing yourself in the morning, try to eat early enough so you have a bowel movement before stepping on the scales. Again, consistency is key. If you do not have a bowel movement, take that into consideration if you have gained a little or haven't lost what you think you should have.
- Always empty your bladder before weighing in. After drinking all those fluids in the morning, I usually have no problem doing this. :)
- Avoid high sugar and salt intake (known fluid retainers) the night before. One of my worst weight gains came the morning after I had eaten at a Chinese restaurant.
- Wear similar-weight clothing or even the exact same outfit to weigh in. While I do not advocate taking one's shoes off to weigh in or stripping down to your skivvies, it might make a difference if you are wearing a heavy coat or extra clothing.
And, above all, don't let the scales dominate your health outlook. It is only a tool, not a whip.
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