Step off the scales! 5 signs your diet IS working
Scales. It’s hard to believe such a basic little measurement tool could cause so much strife. When it comes to battling the bulge, many people find it helpful to have a numeric way to track their progress, but unfortunately, the scales aren’t the most accurate way to do it.
So, if you’ve been sticking to a healthy diet and are exercising regularly but can’t see your weight dropping, it’s time to ditch the scales. There are better, more motivating ways to see how your new lifestyle changes are impacting you.
1. Check your clothes
When you adopt a healthier diet and exercise more often than you used to, chances are you’ll notice changes in your body’s shape before you notice any weight loss. The more toned you become, the more the fit of your clothes will change.
2. Take photos
Take a look at this progress shot from Instagram user @adrienneosuna.
She only lost one kilo, but look at the difference. It just goes to show, the scales may show little progress, but your body speaks for itself.
3. Assess your energy and stamina
Your weight may be the same after a couple of weeks of jogging or weightlifting, but that shouldn’t be the ultimate goal. You’ll notice you’re more energetic, can run longer, lift heavier and are getting fitter. This is what it’s all about.
4. Check your appetite
If you’ve been cutting down on your portion sizes for a few weeks, you might have realised you can get by on a lot less food these days. Losing weight is all about calories-in-versus-calories-out, so if you’re eating less and exercising more, the weight loss will come – just give it time.
5. Consider your mood
Eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods over those containing refined sugars will even out your mood and get rid of the dreaded “brain fog”. As if that isn’t great enough, the endorphins you get from regular exercise are natural anti-depressants.
How did you lose weight and keep it off? Share your advice with the Over60 community in the comments below.