Anyone who has tried to seriously lose weight has at one point become obsessed to the point where they have let certain numbers control their thoughts, feelings and even actions. When starting your weight loss journey it is very easy to become fixated with certain numbers.
Allowing yourself to become so consumed with them that you let them to dictate how you operate on a day-to-day basis and take control of your life is a recipe for disaster. Letting something as simple as the numbers on the scale, your daily caloric intake or your dress size govern how you operate is not a healthy path to take.
So here is a reminder of the numbers that you always think about and why you need to forget about them.
Weight
The scale is often our nemesis; whenever we look at the number on the display it instantly brings up feelings of depression. So much so, that we now map out skipping the next two meals in hopes to bring the number down. Checking the scale every day or every other day is not a healthy practise. Guidelines state, we are only able to healthily lose 1-2 pounds a week, so as long as you are on that path then everything is ok.
Bonus point: Don’t forget if you are doing weight training you are likely to gain lean muscle mass, so the number on the scale would go up naturally.
Dress Size
I know back in college you used to be a size 3 and looked magnificent in everything that touched your skin. But now, 3 kids later and years of neglecting the gym, the inevitable has caught up with you. Do not fear, worry, panic or cry- this is just a number! And that number can and will change, when you begin to exercise it will have you back to your normal size 3 in no time. Start by going for a brisk 30 minute walk everyday after work and as time goes by you will forget that dress size ever mattered to you.
BMI
You need to forget this number for more than one reason; the BMI is not an accurate depiction of body fat, body weight or anything of the sort. It is an old out-dated measurement that needs to be thrown out and forgotten about. Reason being is that it simply takes your height against your weight; therefore if you have spent anytime lifting weights at the gym- your BMI is likely to depict you as being obese. Concentrating on body fat is a better way to know where you stand.
How Much You Can Bench
Meatheads love to talk about how strong they are because they are able to lift more than you. But really, who cares? They have been in the gym for years, so of course they can lift more than you- that shouldn’t be an accomplishment. You will reach your personal goal eventually, consistency is key, keep working at the appropriate weight, and progressing when necessary- you will be at your target weight in no time. And hopefully not brag about it.
Age
You could be 100 or 13, keeping fit is something you are never too young or too old for. Don’t let your age be a deterrent or an excuse from starting or continuing on your health and fitness mission.
If any of these numbers control the way you think about yourself, it is time to take control and stop allowing this to happen. Remember these are just numbers, they most certainly don’t define you or equate to your value. If it is body fat you are aiming to lose, just keep working out and eating healthily and it will naturally occur. Stressing over something as simple as a number on a scale is doing more harm than good.
Become the face of fitness you’ve always wanted and take control of your numbers, don’t let them control you.
