It's just a number...

Confession:  I have an overwhelming urge to weigh every morning.  And truthfully it is a rare occasion that I do not weigh everyday. 
Is this a good or bad thing?  I believe it depends on how you choose to let that number affect your mood, outlook, happiness, selfworth and on and on it goes.  Sometimes that number may keep you from taking that cookie in the lunchroom.  But have you thought of this?  Maybe that number is a little lower than you expected; does that mean you may say to yourself, "oh, now I CAN have that ice cream because I was down 3lbs!" Huh?  Be honest. The number, whether higher or lower than you'd like, is really just a number after all.  The focus in truth should be health, and health includes making good food choices in spite of the number.  Do not let the scale take away from how hard you've worked and the progress you really are making whether or not the scale says so!!  Additionally, as we begin to improve our eating habits, and (hopefully) begin to move and strengthen our bodies, sometimes that number takes a while to adjust.  I find this can be very discouraging.  I still get discouraged... that is a good reason why we shouldn't be stressing over that silly number on the scale!!  Health, that is what it's about.  The rest will follow. We didn't get unhealthy, overweight and sedentary in three weeks, so we probably aren't going to get to that healthy balance in only three weeks either.  It is a life style choice, and it will take time to get there.
There is a number you should be thinking about.  The circumference of your waist.  This is not about how you look in a bikini.  This really is about your health.  As women, a waist size of over 35" can lead to weight related health issues.  Another good rule to go by is to divide your height in inches in half.  Your waist should not be larger than that number.  I am 5'6" so my waist should be smaller than 33".  So ladies, please get out your tape measure, measure above your belly button and just below your ribs, and let it hang out ~ no sucking in.  Take note of that number and set your goal to decrease that figure.  Then just forget that stupid scale, eat lots of lean protein, bright veggies, skip bad carbs (you know what they are), keep moving, get stronger, and watch your waist shrink away to a healthy place.  Keep up the good work!
Shannon