Tip Of The Week: When to weigh

photo credit: caloriesecrets.net

For individuals trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just maintain a healthy weight, the scale can be both friend and foe. But experts say there is a right way and a wrong way to use the scale.


You have been following your diet for an entire week. Weigh to go! Now it's time to start tracking your progress (and make sure pesky kilos don't find their way back on your body). It's best to step on the scale in the morning after you use the bathroom and before eating or drinking—and prior to engaging in your daily activities. For the most reliable number, be sure to check your poundage at a consistent time.Some people love to weigh themselves daily, whereas experts have recommend once a week.

Weighing yourself first thing in the morning will provide you with the most accurate read on your weight, but if the morning doesn't work, make sure you weigh yourself at the same time — and on the same scale — to keep things consistent.

The 4 S's of Weighing Yourself

When you do weigh yourself on a scale? Strive for sameness. Weigh yourself at the:

• Same time of day, on the
• Same day each week, wearing the
• Same clothing (or naked), and using the
• Same scale

Even if you do follow these steps, it's natural for your weight to fluctuate a few pounds day to day or week to week. Normal weight fluctuations may be due to:

• Eating starchy or salty foods
• The weather
• Water retention due to hormonal changes

Thus, it's important to look at the overall trend of the weight shown on the scale rather than at the daily fluctuations.