Non-Scale Victories: Other Ways to Measure Your Progress on a Weight Loss Journey

OK, so what if you are doing all the right things and that stupid scale just won’t budge? Do you think it is possible to still feel proud and that your efforts are worth it even if you don’t “lose weight.” ABSOLUTELY! I totally think that the scale isn’t the only measure of success on your weight loss journey.

Maybe if we shift our focus from the pounds shed to the numerous other ways we can track our progress. Exploring non-scale victories can be an empowering and motivating way to celebrate the small wins on your path to a healthier lifestyle.

Defining Non-Scale Victories

So, what exactly are non-scale victories? Simply put, they’re the improvements you experience in your physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall lifestyle that aren’t necessarily reflected on the scale. This could be anything from your clothes fitting better, feeling more energized, to making healthier food choices. Let’s dive deeper into these different types of non-scale victories.

Physical Non-Scale Victories

Believe me, I certainly understand how difficult it is to not see the scale moving in a downward direction after a month of working out 3 times a week. But I promise there are other benefits to continuing a workout routine when you can’t see that concrete evidence. Some of the ways include:

• Increased energy levels
• Improved stamina
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Clothing starts fitting better or when you need smaller sizes
• Hormone regulation (which we all know if we are above 40 that our hormones start going a little haywire)

Emotional and Mental Non-Scale Victories

Your weight loss journey isn’t just about physical changes; it’s also about emotional and mental transformation. Maybe you’ll notice:

• Boost in self-confidence
• Improved body image as you start feeling better in your skin.
• Increased motivation and a more positive mindset after every workout. And eventually, you just might find yourself looking forward to your workouts rather than seeing them as chores.
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved mental well-being
• Better mood and overall mental health.

Lifestyle-Related Non-Scale Victories

You just might start seeing these effects as well:

• Improved sleep quality and patterns
• Increased strength
• Making better food choices

Tracking and Celebrating Non-Scale Victories Effectively

In the same way that keeping track of dropping weight keeps you motivated, you need to be able to keep track of these non-scale victories as well. Recording your numbers in a journal or a digital planner to record these achievements is a great option.

Some of the things you can track are:

• Hours of sleep
• Energy level
• Mood
• PMS symptoms
• How easy/difficult it was to workout
• Food journal
• Duration & intensity of workout

Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones and reward yourself along the way. Whether it’s a mani-pedi, a new workout outfit, or a day date with yourself, do something that makes you feel good about your progress.

Conclusion

Celebrating these little things is a crucial aspect of your weight loss journey. It’s about appreciating the overall improvements in your health and well-being, rather than just focusing on the numbers on the scale.

Remember, this journey is about embracing a healthier lifestyle, and every step you take towards that is a victory in itself. So, here’s to celebrating all your victories, scale or otherwise, and to the healthier, happier you!