One of the best ways to stay motivated when losing weight is to track your progress. When you begin your weight loss journey you will start to see the first signs of losing weight, these include feeling lighter, less bloated and an increase in energy. When it comes to long term measurable changes, you can use bathroom scales, clothing size/feel, measurements, taking before and after photos of yourself and completing a body composition analysis with your dietitian throughout your journey.
Tips on how to measure weight loss:
Bathroom scales: Weigh yourself once a week. Make sure this is at the same time each week with minimal clothes and no shoes. It is best to weigh yourself first thing in the morning as variations in food and fluid can impact the number on the scales. Also, avoid jumping on the scales more than once per week, as our weight fluctuates somewhat from day-to-day and daily weighing can lead to discouragement.
Clothing sizes: Take note of your current clothing size and track how your clothes feel and fit as you progress. Another great way to track your progress and stay motivated is to have an old item of clothing you used to fit and would love to wear again in the future.
Measurements: Use a tape measure to take measurements of the key areas of your body. These include your bust, under your bust, chest if you’re a male, waist, hips, thighs and upper arms. Make sure you measure the same parts of your body each time, so you get an accurate measure. Measurements can be done every 4 weeks.
Taking a photo: Taking a photo of yourself is a really motivating way to assess the changes in your body shape. You can get someone to take it for you, otherwise stand in front of a mirror. Take note of where you stand so that you can get the same picture each time.
The best way to measure weight loss progress is a body composition. At Be Fit Food, we offer complimentary body composition analysis at our Mornington and Mordialloc stores. Body composition scans are used to analyse the different types of tissue found in the body and provides an insight into how your total body weight is shared across your soft tissue and bones. Keeping track of your body composition can be a motivating as you see changes in your body fat, muscle mass and body water. To book, email dietitians@befitfood.com.au or call 1300 263 257
