Content

Here are three ways to start changing how you feel about what your scale tells you.

Stop judging. Instead of toggling between loving and hating the scale, think about what it's telling you and how that information can help you. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" This will help you determine what steps to take next in your weight-loss journey.

Be kind to yourself. You're human. Criticizing yourself, isolating yourself or letting your worries get the best of you won't help you reach your goals. These behaviors only show that you're in need of a little self-compassion. When you start to criticize yourself, challenge your thoughts by asking, "Is what I'm telling myself right now 100 percent true? Am I really a bad person because the number on the scale is higher than I expected?"

Change how you look at the scale. You certainly don't have to love your scale, but you can turn your negative thoughts into more positive ones. You might tell yourself, "This number is a marker to help me know if my behavior changes are working for me." Or, "This number measures just a small part of me. It doesn't include my strong passion and desire for my job, my love for my family and friends, my talents and strengths." Here's one more: "The scale is only one measurement. It doesn't show changes in my body fat percentage or how my clothes are fitting differently on my body."

It might even help you to write "What can I learn from this?" on a piece of paper and hang it above your scale where you can see it every time you weigh yourself. Then bravely step forward — and hold your head high, no matter what number you see.