The constant battle

Where ever I go there seems to be a constant battle between the notions of either measuring your waist or weighing yourself to note the changes in your body. Which one is better? The answer is ….. BOTH are! You just need to work out what works for you!

If you are carrying a lot of fluid in your body and you go on a crash diet, you WILL lose physical pounds/kilos. However if you are weighing yourself, generally in the first week or two you will lose more pounds/kilos than the following weeks, just because your body is losing fluid.

If you are trying to build muscle and tone your body at the same time as losing weight, then it is probably a really good idea to measure your body and spend less time on the scales. Still weigh yourself, however be prepared to be a little disheartened and to spend more time focusing on whether you have lost a ½ inch around your waist. This is more likely to be a much more accurate reflection as to whether your exercise and dieting is having an effect or not.

Good places to take measurements

You can take measurements from all of these places, or a mix - it is up to you:

• Waist
• Neck
• Arm
• Hips
• Bottom
• Thigh
• Breast
• Under Breast

Alternatively, if you have changed your diet and you are exercising a couple of times a week (4–5 is recommended, if not everyday) or participating in mainly cardiovascular exercises such as walking, riding a bicycle, hiking etc, then you will still be toning your body and building muscle, but to a lesser degree. Therefore you are less likely to put on large amounts of muscle and more likely to weigh in a couple of pounds lighter each week.

Start with both!

There are many people who feel very strongly about using one method or the other when it comes to measuring your body changes - both ways provide an excellent system for you to work from!

What it really boils down to is what you feel comfortable doing and which types of results motivate you. If you are unsure then start with both, weigh yourself and take measurements.

It doesn’t matter which one works for you just as long as either one of the results is motivating enough to keep you going with your diet and exercise program.