Life Without the Scale

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Earlier this summer, I shared my biggest accomplishment for the month of May: ditching the scale! Since May 1st (actually a few days prior), I have only stepped on the scale two times: once at a doctor’s appointment and once at home.

If you’re an observant Nutrition Nut reader, you know I have battled with the bathroom scale for years; I’ve shared my struggles publicly more than once on this blog.

>> Why I Hate the Scale

>> Break Up with the Scale Tips

Now that it has been over 2 1/2 months since I broke off my unhealthy relationship, I thought I would follow-up on my journey. I assume that at least one of you reading this post has or have struggled with seeing that number on the scale; I hope this can provide comfort in that you are certainly not alone, and inspiration to stick that damn tool under your bed, as I did.

As a scale abuser for many years, it is rather strange to think that I don’t know how many pounds I weigh in this current moment, nor do I know what it read yesterday, or last Tuesday for the matter. If I am being completely vulnerable here, I used to keep a journal of my weight and compare it week-to-week, month-to-month.

The part that struck me the most was when I would hypocritically encourage my peers to ditch the scale for the sake of their own good and peace of mind, yet I could not do said action myself. So, “out of sight, out of mind,” was the tactic I tried. I stuck the darn P.O.S. under my bed, and there is still resides amongst picture frames and old school notebooks, collecting dust.

Last week, when chatting with my IIN Peer Coach, I heard myself say that I was ready to get it (the scale) out of my house. A bold statement from a former weigh-in addict.

The drug I took, stark naked, nearly every morning (and often post-workout) was no longer needed.

For the past 10+ weeks, the first thought upon waking isn’t one of anxiety in anticipation of using the scale to measure the worth of my day.

While I am proud and confident that the scale will remain an abusive partner of the past, all negative self-talk has not vanished.

As I have also discussed here in this space, it’s easier than reciting the ABCs to fall into the comparison trap, especially as a member of the fitness blog community.

Here I am: miles ahead of where I was, yet still miles away from where I would like to stand with the relationship I have with myself: one of pride, love, and forgiveness.

What steps have you made to improve your self-talk?

What or who has inspired you in your own journey?

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Worth a second shout-out >> Why You Should Throw Away Your Scale

It’s no secret that my relationship with the bathroom scale hasn’t been the healthiest since my early teenage years. I’ve shared my struggles with said stupid measuring tool on the blog a time or two before.

Past Body Image Posts >>

I know I’m not the only female that has let the number of her gravitational pull define her days. While a scale has its place and purpose, it is known to be manipulating to many.

Last year, one of my 2013 aspirations was to ditch the scale. I made a couple measly attempts, going stretches without stepping on the device, but I didn’t accomplish what I wanted — abandoning my once to twice a day check-in.

I can’t pinpoint the exact inspirational trigger, but on May 1, 2014 I removed the scale from its place behind the bathroom door and hid it under my bed. Actually, I believe the main motive was that my digestion has been all sorts of wonky this spring and healing my tummy troubles, and therefore being more physically comfortable, became of higher importance than the unworthy number I granted with trust.

I am proud to say that the scale still resides in hibernation under my bed and I don’t plan to dust it off anytime soon. I thought ditching the scale was going to be real tough, like I would sneak a weigh-in at least once or twice during the month, but I did not give in to the temptation. Yes, there were certainly days were I felt crummy about myself and curiosity cruised around my mind after indulgent days — what would the scale reflect?

Then, I would remind myself of my May intention… and I’d move on. What good was weighing myself going to do? Was it worth the anxiety and the thudding heart I experienced before stepping onto the useless tool with my two naked feet? No, no it was not.

Since unleashing myself from the scale four to five weeks ago, I haven’t ruined innocent days from my morning weigh-ins; I haven’t shamed myself for enjoying a tub of Talenti; I haven’t denied a Moscow Mule, or ridiculed myself for walking and not running. I have lived intuitively and free.

I wanted this for so so long, as I wasn’t practicing what I preached to others. If you’ve struggled for months, or even years, like I have, it is possible to end said relationship for good.

Freedom from the scale is entirely empowering. For me, it was my #1 tip “get the scale out of sight, out of mind” that was the key for me. I know it’s only been a month, but I don’t have a single reason why I would revert to my old, unhealthy ways.

I’d love to open up a discussion about the scale below, so comments are welcome as always. And, please don’t forget, I welcome reader emails with open arms: healthyhill3 {at} gmail {dot} com.