10 Mistakes You Shouldn't Make When Weighing Yourself
The scale is an effective tool for monitoring your weight. But how is this done and what mistakes should not be made? Dr. Nina Cohen-Kobe, Dietitian, answers us.
Just trust the scale
The scale is a tool for monitoring your weight, whether you want to stabilize, gain or lose it. However, the numbers shown on the scale can vary for various reasons: according to the support that is placed on it, according to the model, or according to the time of day.
For an accurate result, you can also measure your waist circumference. "It's a really good indicator to see the progress of a person's weight loss," says Dr. Nina Cohen-Kobe, a registered dietitian.
Use the scale several times a day
"The fact that one weighs the same every day, morning, noon and evening, can cause stress in the individual. However, the stress hormone makes you want to eat to compensate, which can lead to weight gain," warns the specialist.
Weighing yourself once a day can be part of your morning routine, but don't make it an obsession. This is why it is recommended that you weigh yourself on a weekly basis.
Weigh yourself after eating a heavy meal
Weighing yourself after a heavy meal is not ideal. If you want to lose weight, the presented figure may discourage you! It is better to weigh yourself on an empty stomach so as not to distort the results.
Stand on the scale in the evening
"It's best to weigh yourself in the morning when you wake up, because it should be on an empty stomach," advises Dr. Cohen-Kobe. In fact, if you weigh yourself in the evening, the scale may not give the exact weight.
Stay fully dressed
In order for the numbers displayed on the scale to match our weight as closely as possible, it is recommended that you weigh yourself naked. So you avoid keeping your big jacket when using the machine.
Weigh yourself after physical activity
Weighing yourself an hour after running, cycling or even fitness will not give the correct data, even if the displayed weight may satisfy those who want to lose weight. The scale will indicate a number that is definitely lower than the exact data, because the body will have emptied a lot of water.
Worrying about a small change in weight
Even with a balanced diet, weight can change from week to week, among other things due to the menstrual cycle. Dr. Nina Cohen Kobe specifies that it can fluctuate quite a bit "from 500g to 2kg". Therefore, there is no need to worry if the weight is not accurate to the nearest gram according to the weeks.
Put the scale in the wrong place
The scale should be placed on a flat surface, such as a tile, for best results. We avoid, for example, placing it on the rug and the object should always be in the same position.
Lean on the wall while measuring the weight
Weighing yourself properly requires good posture. When you stand on the machine, you should be barefoot and stand straight, do not lean forward and relax. Watch out for smart guys who want to cheat by leaning against the wall: keep your arms at body length.
Being obsessed with the number on the scale
The look that appears on the device can become a source of stress and anxiety, which works against successful weight loss. Dr. Cohen-Kobe insists, "It takes framework, calm and above all not a headache".