If you’re familiar with Nutritionist, Jessica Sepel, you’ll know that she encourages people to stop weighing themselves. She shares why she believes you should be giving up scales for life and how you can live your healthiest life.
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I’ve even told them to throw away their scales. Now, before you say, “That sounds extreme” let me explain. From the ages of 13 to 23, I let my struggle with weight, food and my body rule my life. I was stuck in a toxic cycle of food deprivation, weighing myself and criticising my body. I was obsessed with weighing myself and let the number on the scales determine my self-worth. If I saw a number that I approved of, I was ‘happy’ for the day. But if I didn’t like the number, it spoiled my day.
When I threw away my scales a few years ago, it changed my relationship with my mind and body. I instantly felt the pressure lift off my shoulders; my anxiety and stress around weight started to decrease. You see, obsessing over the number on the scales can increase cortisol levels (your stress hormone). If you weigh yourself and don’t like the number you see, you’re likely to feel less motivated to make healthy choices. In many cases, this causes people to berate themselves and emotionally overeat.
So, if you’ve been struggling with your weight, I want you to give away your scales. It may take some time to get used to it but it’s important to remind yourself that healing is a journey. Of course, it’s important to keep track of your health. We all know when our clothes feel comfortable or a little too tight, so let that be your guide for now along with your energy levels, happiness and relationships. When you make a decision to live a balanced life, your weight will naturally balance out. It may fluctuate by a few kilograms due to fluid, hormonal changes and dehydration. But, rather than focusing on your weight, start focusing on how you feel. That’s what living the healthy life really means.
