The REAL reasons your scales aren’t moving: Mum who lost 22kg reveals why she ignores the number on the scale
Experiencing a weight loss plateau can be EXTREMELY frustrating. Especially, if it feels like you’re doing everything right. But don’t give up!
Whether you’ve stepped on the scales once or one hundred times, there can be many valid reasons why they don’t appear to be budging.
Healthy mummy Sandra Gee has lost 22kg by following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge – but while she’s feeling better than she did before, her scales have come to a bit of a halt.
Losing weight but putting on muscle
Sandra, like many mums, says one day the scales just stopped moving. Then, they were fluctuating relentlessly for weeks at a time. And then months.
“Now, 18 months later, the scales tell me that I have re-gained a few kilos of the weight that I had lost. But I am still in the same clothing I was at my lowest weight,” she admits.
Sandra says she could’ve let the scales beat her and wallow in self-pity over blocks of chocolate and bags of chips, but she DIDN’T! Instead, she chose to ignore them.
“I know I am feeling the best me, and I can see the significant changes in muscle tone – especially my arms and legs,” she says. “If I’ve put on, it can only be muscle – and I’m okay with that….I’d rather fill my jeans with muscle than fat any day!”
Sanda no longer needs ‘digits’ to tell her how she is travelling on her weight loss journey. Rather she goes by how she feels and how she is looking – and that’s what really matters.
The real reasons your scales may not be moving
While the scales are an indicator of weight loss success, they are not the ONLY measure. Nor are they 100 per cent reliable. It’s important to note that there are MULTIPLE reasons why your scales may not be moving – despite your hard work, regular fitness and healthy eating.
1. Hormones
Bloating, cramps, swelling, mood swings, cravings, binge eating, and yes, weight gain! And of course water retention. During our menstrual cycle our bodies hold onto fluids like a drought is coming and the best advice is not to weigh yourself at this time.
2. You’re not eating enough calories
Eating more could help you lose weight on the scales, as you may not be eating the right amount each day.
3. Your weighing yourself at different times
It is important to have the same conditions each time you weigh, as your body fluctuates throughout the day after you’ve eaten.
4. You’ve put on muscle
Take measurements or photos, as this will show you your muscle growth.
This extra lean muscle tissue has its benefits – not only will you appear smaller, but muscle will help boost your metabolism too.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge that the scales can tell the occasional fib, and that weight is only a number, we hope you can view your weight fluctuations with less of a critical eye.
No matter what the scales say, make an effort to tell yourself, “Today is the day I take control of my life and my body!” and the Healthy Mummy 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge can help you to do that.
More on Sandra’s 22kg weight loss story
As we mentioned earlier, Sandra has lost an incredible 22kg following the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenges. And she looks fantastic.
“I have lost 22kg and have never felt better! The Healthy Mummy became my foundation. I applied my research and changed my diet by tweaking the challenge meal plans to suit my needs,” reveals Sandra.
“I increased protein portions and decreased carb portions. I cut down my dairy intake, I still use dairy milk in my coffee, but I made the switch to almond milk for The Healthy Mummy Smoothies. This significantly decreased bloating and improved weight loss [for me].
“It may be a life-long battle, but you can win the battle for your health and well-being.”
We are so glad our program has been able to help you, Sandra. Keep up the incredible work!
Join the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge today!
Our Challenge is designed by mums FOR MUMS – to help them reach their goal weight and tackle their health and fitness.
The Challenge is home to customisable meal plans, 24/7 social support and realistic exercises mums can do AT HOME.
Our Challenge entails:
- 28 days of at home exercise routines (no gym needed) – with video instruction
- Customisable and breastfeeding friendly meal plans
- Time-efficient exercises for busy mums – under 30 mins
- Challenge combines Pilates exercises with interval and circuit training (HIIT)
- Suitable for basic to advanced fitness levels.
- Home to thousands of EASY-TO-MAKE recipes.
NEXT 28 DAY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE STARTS SOON!
To find out more on the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge click here.