When I suggest that people get rid of the scale and stop weighing themselves, I usually get one of two different reactions…
relief – they no longer have to be held emotionally hostage by the scale
rage – they want to kill me for saying something so stupid
In reality, peoples’ reactions tend to fall somewhere in between.
Our community usually trends towards relief.
And the Diet Culture community usually trends towards rage.
The fact is, if you’re struggling with your body as a result of unhealthy relationships with food, body, exercise, and mind, the scale is very likely holding you back.
I was in denial about it for the longest time and used to get so annoyed when someone would suggest giving up the scale.
I liked numbers and data. I felt it gave me more control. And when I was using the scale, I was usually losing weight.
So like many people, I thought it made sense to use it.
But there was one big problem – I was still struggling with my food and body.
I might’ve lost some weight, but I never kept it off. And I definitely was still as insecure and food obsessed as ever.
Breaking up with the scale freed me, and it has freed the members of our community too.
There will come a time when the scale could be useful to you. This will be AFTER you’ve healed.
But using it before then? It’s going to keep you anchored to Diet Culture, its surface-level strategies, and its long-term struggles.
Getting rid of it allows you to stop trying to control your weight (a symptom), and instead start meeting your body’s needs.
Because that’s all your Ideal Body is – the side effect of consistently meeting your body’s needs.
Don’t let the scale get in the way of that.
Talk soon…