I know I have heard more than once to throw away the scale. Personally I feel like a responsible Scale owner. Like a responsible drinker, or a responsible driver it is used with caution and knowledge. I think it can be a great tool... as long as it's not your only tool.
I have been running for a couple of months, but I have taken my running 'back' to a beginner pace recently. I say back, because the first run (Learn to Run 10 K) I felt like I was going backwards, slower, shorter and just kinda boring. But now I need and want to run with proper form. I am working on good posture and stance, Sometimes I have a baby in a stroller, sometimes I don't. It all takes control, concentration and dedication. As I was running Week 2 last night I noticed something. My shirt, it was baggy on my back!? It was flowing in the wind. I loved the way it brushed up against my shoulder blades. It made me want to run stand even taller!
Now because I own and use a scale, I would have been disappointed and my body's progress over the last 3 months. I have lost 3 lbs since March. I went sugar free, I increased my water intake, I exercise more than in the 9 months previous. I worked hard, and I ONLY lost 3lbs?
In the past I would have talked down to myself... like loosing 3lbs was a bad thing. Like I should give up, because all that work and the scale tells me it's only worth 3lbs. Good thing I have other tricks up my sleeve! Look at this picture! I am so glad I took it, I had a goal, and the lines were to become straight... and they did!
AND in the meantime I bought short in a size I have NEVER dreamed off!
AND I stand straighter!
AND I am more confident
AND I improved my diet
AND I have more energy
AND my core has never been so strong (yes, even after 4 children)
AND next week I want to take real measurements so I can celebrate my 9 months Postpartum
AND I am doing this for my health, not for the scale!
So measure your successes as you feel you can. Take notes, Notice what you can do that you couldn't do before. Use the tape Measure. Take photos. Celebrate it! Talk positive to yourself!
Use the scale, but only as a tool, not as the answer!