Dieting: The Problem with Pounds

It's easy to become a slave to those numbers on that scale. Step on. Sigh. Get off. And then the temptation... do I weigh again tomorrow? Shoes on? Shoes off? After I go to the bathroom?

I know many military members who would take Ex-Lax to fool the scale for mandatory weigh-ins. And most diets or pills that promise those super quick results are quilty of the same causes for that weight loss: water loss. Dehydration to fake out the scale.

Women? That time of the month? Water retention will inflate that number.

On medication that causes water retention? Oh, well, so much for accuracy.

Does you bottom line goal truly revolve around weight loss? Or are you aiming to fit into that smaller size pair of jeans that's been hiding in the back of your closet? Do you have a favorite dress that used to fit? Are you obsessed with the idea of fitting into a certain size? Then counting those pounds can be a frustrating experience.

Instead of suffering from scale slavery, turn to a more accurate friend: the tape measure. By tracking your measurements, such as hip, waist, thigh - for those on the jeans goal line, plus chest, arms, you'll have a more positive reinforcement of your success.

Why are inches a better measurement? Simple. Muscle weighs more than fat. If you have a lot of flab and you tone up some will lose inches, but not necessarily pounds. And yet you'll be in better shape than before.

Incorporate some form of fitness into your day - even if it's a 20 minute walk after dinner. Just get out 3-5 times a week. Take those jeans or that dress with you (or a picture) to keep you motivated.

Drastic diet changes are easy to sabotage; who wants to eat food they aren't used to or don't like? Go gradual and you'll discover a lifetime change instead of that yo-yo, the fad diet. Substitute some of those cans of soda for a glass of water. No need to deprive yourself entirely, just substitute 1 can during the day, or 1/2 cup of coffee for that small bottle of water.

Small changes are easy to keep. Forgive yourself when you feel you've slipped. It's your right to be human. And it's your right to be healthy.