http://www.today.com/health/should-i-take-day-my-diet-5-ways-were-confused-2D80547466?__source=xfinity|hero&par=xfinity This is a commonsense discussion about diet, exercise and weight management. I only disagree with one point of it. The last item says 5. When is the best time to weigh myself? Should I weigh myself?
The scale is a machine; it doesn't talk, it doesn't lie, it doesn't give rewards or punishments. But we tend to give this piece of equipment a power where a simple morning weigh-in may lead to a tumultuous roller coaster of emotions.
Studies have shown that weighing in regularly can help keep your weight in check.
I suggest stepping on the scale on Fridays and Mondays: If you’re down by a pound or so on Friday and then plan on a major weekend splurge, knowing that you‘re weighing in on Monday could make you think twice about unnecessary indulgences. If, on the other hand, a Friday weight is higher than anticipated, then the weekend may call for a more watchful eye.
Follow-up studies of successful dieters have indicated that most of them check their weight every day. At the same time, under the same conditions, every day. They get a feel for the normal fluctuations of weight and make adjustments for that day based on the number the dial shows. The trick is to not obsess ... okay, while obsessing - I'll grant you that. Understand that ... Yes, the number WILL fluctuate; my experience is +/- 3 lb; but it doesn't mean the end of the world. If you think your number is high one day, use that as reinforcement to avoid a dessert or use the salad plate for your meals instead of the dinner plate. Be SENSIBLE about it.
NEVER NEVER starve yourself. That simply leads to your body shutting down in an effort to conserve/ hoard necessary resources. Which leads to unhealthy weight gain.
I lost between 20 and 30 lbs a few years ago, and have maintained my current weight since then. I can't really give advice on weight loss, however, because my loss was a result of changing my eating habits in order to prevent the onset of diabetes. I am currently attempting to deliberately lose weight by increasing my activities, reducing my (baked) french fries consumption and eliminating my potato chip habit (that last is REALLY hard and I keep backsliding). I'm also keeping a food log (which I really hate doing) and periodically testing my blood sugar levels (which has informed me that my current diet is doing what I had hoped it would). Beyond that ... I'm not really following any diet, per se. Just trying to make sensible choices and hoping for the best.
And if I don't lose any weight? That's fine too. I'm lucky enough to be pretty healthy at my current weight, even with the spectre of diabetes hanging over me. The changes I've made (which, for the record, I'm internalizing as permanent changes) can only make me healthier.