Tracking Weight Lost Can be Easy

When you begin losing weight it can be very inspirational to look at where you began and compare it to where you stand currently. You will feel a spark of enthusiasm to help you get past your plateau or to get you moving on a rainy day if you can look at your results on paper. The best way to track your weight lost is to start recording or tracking your progress on paper or in a daily weight loss journal.

To begin, record your start or current weight and begin recording a weekly or monthly weigh in. Weight in pounds may not move as you expect, as weight on the scale can remain steady or even jump up as you move into your fitness routine. As muscle is built your weight may increase slightly before it goes down. Because this can be discouraging you may want to take measurements of your waist, hips and thighs. Measurements can show progress when the scale seems to be at a standstill.

Besides focusing on the scale and measuring tape, you should pay attention to little things that show your progress. When someone notices you have lost weight you should feel confident and proud. Most often as weight begins to come off, the face thins first allowing those around you to assure you that your food habit changes and/or exercise frequency is working. While working on your weight, also take notice of how your clothing feels. Maybe it’s easier to zip your jeans or you can wear a blouse that didn’t button a few weeks ago. These little changes can be big winners when looking at weight lost over time.

As a final note, do heed the above warning about stepping on the scale. Don’t let it take over your life. It can become an obsession to jump up every day and read the numbers on the scale. This can discourage you to the point where you stop eating healthfully and fall off the wagon, so to speak. This can also lead to dangerous eating disorders. Some people can see undesirable numbers on the scale, which can lead to eating less to reach the numbers they do find desirable. Keep yourself on the right track by only weighing in every week or month, so you can see the real results of your weight loss efforts and know that your healthful diet and daily walks are well worth the effort.