Pssst! Especially if you want to lose weight!

Ok, let’s talk about weight obsession. I know, I know, it’s a topic that can make us feel a little, well, heavy. But trust me, it’s an important one to address.

I also believe it’s OK and normal to want to be in shape, feel strong, toned and confident. But when we focus ONLY on the numbers, it can actually take longer to find our body’s “happy weight”, and cause a lot more damage along the way.

Here are 3 reasons why you should toss the scale.

REASON #1 – Weight is not always the best measurement of health.

Here’s the thing, weight doesn’t always tell the whole story. Just because you’re a certain number on the scale, doesn’t mean you’re not healthy. 

Muscle weighs more than fat, so a person who is very muscular may weigh more than someone who is not, but they are still considered healthy. So, let’s stop judging ourselves and others based on a number.

Similarly, a person who weighs less may have a higher percentage of body fat, which can be unhealthy. 

Other factors such as overall fitness, diet, and lifestyle should also be considered when assessing health. Someone can have a bigger body shape and have all healthy bloodwork, feel amazing, be working out and eating in a balanced way. So why would we still label them unhealthy? #weightobsession

When I was competing in CrossFit, my BMI (body mass index) which takes into account weight in relation to height… put me in a medical category of being “overweight”, even though that was probably the strongest I’ve ever been, and close to the healthiest I’ve ever felt! It really messed with my head at the time to be given this label.

Think back to your experience. Have you ever been told by a doctor that you need to lose weight, even though you had been taking really good care of yourself? 

It’s just another example of why we need to take our power back when it comes to the scale… and throw it out.

REASON #2 – Focusing on weight can contribute to weight gain, or possibly yo-yo-ing

Here’s the real kicker, focusing on weight can distract from other important health behaviors. We forget about doing things for our long-term health and get so hyperfocused on a result that begins to run our lives.

This… causes stress. And stress… stress can lead to weight gain in a few different ways. When we feel stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. 

This little hormone is a real party pooper because it makes us crave all the wrong foods- think sugary and fatty treats. And before we know it, we’ve overeaten and possibly gained some weight. 

But it’s not just the munchies that are to blame, stress can also disrupt our sleep. And we all know what happens when we don’t get our beauty sleep- we wake up feeling like a bear that’s been hit by a truck.

When we are sleep deprived, our bodies may produce more hunger hormones and our metabolism may slow down. 

So, it’s a double whammy. And to top it all off, stress can also make us less active, less motivated to exercise. 

So, let’s take a deep breath, and try to manage our stress by not adding to it with weight-obsession. Gaining weight because we’re so stressed we’re going to gain weight is not the self-fulfilling prophecy we want!

Instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, let’s focus on things that truly matter… 

Like regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep and self-care. These behaviors are more likely to lead to overall health and well-being.

Often times, when my clients start focussing on these habits and actions, it leads to weight balance as a side effect. Our body can relax into its healthiest shape and weight, without us having to force it.

What would it be like to truly feel good in your own skin, without worrying about weight?

REASON #3 – It can be a gateway to disordered eating and extreme negative body image

Let’s get one thing straight: obsessing over our weight is not cute. It’s not something to brag about to our friends or post on Instagram. In fact, it’s downright dangerous. 

Constantly fixating on that number on the scale can lead to disordered eating, poor body image, extreme negative self-talk and an overall low quality of life. And let’s be real, who has time for that? We have better things to do than let a number dictate our worth. 

Take it from me. When I did my bodybuilding show, I found myself on a slippery slope of cutting out sugar, to all of a sudden not going out to eat with friends, being scared to have a piece of 5-calorie gum, and keeping a running score of calories in and calories out all day long to the point of exhaustion. 

I learned the hard way that weight-obsession and dieting not only don’t get you the results you want, they take your happiness and quality of life away! Don’t let that happen to you. 

So, let’s make a pact. Let’s stop obsessing over weight and start focusing on what truly matters. Our health and well-being. And remember, a healthy lifestyle is not a destination, it’s a journey. And it’s a journey worth taking. Let’s take it together and support each other along the way.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, obsessing over weight is not only harmful to our mental and physical health but also distracts us from focusing on things that truly matter. 

Let’s focus on a healthy lifestyle, with regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and enough sleep which will lead us to overall health and well-being.

Want to know what other roadblocks you should be avoiding on your way to healthy habit central? 

Download my FREE workbook: 5 Healthy Habit Roadblocks to Avoid… and what actions to take instead!

Learn these top 5 action steps that will allow you to get on track with fitness, stay consistent with healthy eating, and create a positive mindset with food and body without dieting! 

FREE DOWNLOAD: 5 healthy habit mistakes to avoid, and the 5 action steps to get you the results you want! ⬇️