Why You Should Ditch the Scale (Once and For All)
The Whole30 has rules and recommendations. Staying off the scale for 30 days is a rule, but some consider it a recommendation. Weighing ourselves is such an engrained and socially acceptable habit, that it can be almost unthinkable for us to step off the scale for just 30 days. As Melissa Urban, Whole30 CEO, says, if you think you can’t go without something for 30 days, that’s an indication that you should definitely go without that thing for at least 30 days.
Here’s why you should ditch the scale, both during your Whole30 and beyond:
The scale holds too much power over us. I used to weigh myself every morning as soon as I woke up. I had a specific “ideal” number in mind, and if the number on the scale matched that number or was lower, I was going to have a great day. If the number on the scale was higher than my ideal weight by even a few pounds, I was set up for a bad day. That’s crazy! We all know that weight can deviate by a few pounds in each direction throughout the course of the day (especially if you’re a woman), but when we see the number, it’s hard to remember that that is very normal and doesn’t really mean anything.
We know when we’ve gained or lost weight worth noticing. If you lose or gain five pounds, your clothes fit differently. You feel a little different. You don’t need the scale to tell you this. If you lose or gain a pound, you likely won’t notice unless you look at the scale, because that weight change is minor and inconsequential.
Weight is not as important as health. As a society, we focus too much on weight and aesthetics and not nearly enough on our actual health. Because of this mismatch of priorities, we tend to strive to lose weight at the expense of our health rather than in the pursuit of our health, such as by taking diet pills or stressing our bodies through over-exercise. Focus on eating nourishing foods and exercising as a form of self-care in order to build your health. You might not drop weight as quickly, but you will likely be healthier and any changes to your appearance will be more sustainable.
Ultimately, it’s tough to have Food Freedom if you’re a slave to the scale. Throw that thing out and focus on moving your body and feeding it nutrient dense foods. Your body and mind will thank you.