For many people, weighing themselves is essential to tracking their fitness progress when they’re trying to lose a few pounds. If you’re one of them, you know how important it is to get an accurate measurement. While weight numbers aren’t a “definitive” measurement of health, they are useful data.
If you have a healthy relationship with weighing, the number can be a useful tool that gives you valuable insight into your progress toward your overall health goals. Or maybe you want to focus on changes in your body composition rather than the number on the scale. With that in mind, there are some important things to know about how and when to weigh yourself to get consistent results every time. Here’s how to master weighing yourself properly.
When is the best time to weigh yourself?
The most accurate way to weigh yourself on a bathroom scale is first thing in the morning. After you go to the bathroom, before you eat breakfast, and before you drink any water. Experts say: Morning is the best time This is because it gives your body a chance to properly digest everything you ate and drank the day before and leaves your stomach relatively empty.
read more: For your health and your wallet: The power of intermittent fasting
When is the worst time to weigh yourself?
While there is no “worst” time to weigh yourself, you should avoid weighing yourself after the following activities: Possible weight lossEating large meals or drinking large amounts of water can cause temporary “weight gain.” Also, you shouldn’t weigh yourself after exercise, as you will lose weight due to water loss through sweating.
If you have your period, it’s best to avoid weighing yourself for a few days before your period, as hormones can cause your weight to fluctuate and affect the number on the scale. It’s also normal for your weight to fluctuate throughout the day and from day to day. If you’re concerned about any sudden changes in your weight, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Tips for getting an accurate reading
Besides weighing yourself at the ideal times of day, there are other ways to ensure you’re getting a regular, accurate reading from your scale, which is especially important when tracking weight gain or loss.
- Weigh yourself once a week at the same time.
- Store and use your scale on a firm, flat surface.
- Stand barefoot on the scales with your weight evenly distributed on both feet.
- When weighing yourself, wear little to no clothing. Whatever you decide, be consistent when weighing yourself each time to increase accuracy.
Time to say goodbye to the weighing scale
Just like an unhealthy relationship, if you think weighing yourself is negatively affecting your life, it’s okay to stop. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to throw away the scale:
- Negative thoughts triggered by weighing yourself.
- Regularly feeling anxious or sad after weighing yourself
- Dangerous or unhealthy habits caused by weighing oneself.
- Eating disorders are the same whether you have an eating disorder, are recovering from an eating disorder, or have had an eating disorder in the past.
read moreWeight isn’t everything: 6 health indicators that matter more
Looking for more health tips? Read on to find out how to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet and why you should eat more carbs, not less.
