Frustrated. Disappointed. Hopeless. Skeptical.
Whichever you choose, these emotions are enemies of people trying to lose weight—especially when you feel like you have done everything right. For many trying to shed pounds, the elation from that initial weight loss is brought to a screeching halt when the scale stops moving. But, instead of viewing this as a setback, look for other ways to measure your progress besides the scale. After all, good health isn’t always measured in pounds.
Losing weight usually involves a relatively simple calorie equation: burn off more calories with daily activity than you consume through food. So what happens when these numbers indicate progress, but the scale doesn’t? Before the aggravation sets in, consider why this might be the case. If you’ve been hitting the gym on a regular basis, participating in both cardiovascular and strengthening exercises, then chances are good that you have shed some fat. But the scale might not indicate this because you have also been building lean muscle. Since muscle is dense (a small volume of muscle weighs more than the same volume of fat), the scale might not reflect your hard work.
Non-Scale Signs of Progress
- See results by taking a trip to your very own closet. Take out a pair of pants that fit snugly before you began your new, healthy habits. Are you able to ease into them, when before you had to sit (or lie) down and yank them up your legs? This is a sure sign of progress toward a leaner you! What about an old shirt? Is it now a little loose around your waist or arms? Also look for improved muscle definition when you check out your body in the mirror. There are many everyday indicators that you are firming up your body, from how your clothes fit to sitting more comfortably in a booth or small chair.
- Aside from weight, use other numerical signs of progress. When you first start your program, take measurements of your waist, arms, neck and hips. Even if you are not losing pounds, you very well may be losing inches all over your body as your figure slims down and tones up with muscles. Measuring your body is more reliable than the scale alone. Other numerical indicators include a reduction of blood pressure or cholesterol, BMI, and body fat percentage.
- Monitor how a healthy diet and regular exercise affects your energy levels. Not only will you be able to work out for longer intervals of time, but everyday chores will also become easier. Whether cutting the grass or simply walking up the stairs, these behaviors will come effortlessly. Think of all the daily activities you could use more energy for—grocery shopping, house cleaning, playing with your kids, and more. Pretty soon you’ll be training for your first 5K!
- Lastly, be conscious of how you feel emotionally. You’ve been working hard to reach your goals. Hopefully, the hard work will come with a boost in self-esteem, confidence, and happiness. Are you beginning to feel more comfortable in your own body? Work to build a positive vocabulary to stay motivated.
This little thing is wearing my ars out & believe it or not it's getting my heart rate way up into the 80% which is so NOT the norm for me. This little machine is a hydrolic like at Curves so the faster I move the more weight it adds to the workout thus the more calories I burn. Yesterday I couldn't make it past 13 minutes but today I was determined to get a great workout in. I put exercise on demand on, found a walk routine, stepped up on my machine & went with then step for step. A lot of leg burn but I mad eit 30 inutes today. Figure if I do it every day I will be up to 45 minutes sometime next week.
She's a chihuahua/daschund mix and just the sweetest most playful little thing we have had in some time. Harley ... my little boy chi was never this playful. He's the strong silent type ... ha ... more like a sally tea cup mamma's boy. I love him dearly though. All the dogs seem to be welcoming her into the family. Our oldest is sitting in the background just trying to figure out what she is or why on earth I felt the need to have another baby around. I don't know ... I see certain dogs & I feel like I can just see their souls. I've always chosen my dogs that way too. I always pick them up & look into their eyes first. If I feel something there ...their mine, if not I move on. I love beautiful eyes & Lily has those beautiful blue eyes ... even bluer than Fancy (my blue chihuahua).
2 tablespoons olive oil 
