Ditch the weight scales

I think we are now in a space to state that covid-19 is something we all have to live with, hopefully not forever, but currently we have to try and navigate our way in life, whilst the topic of covid is on the back of our minds. 

During that period my lifestyle was a bit of a yo-yo or a roller-coaster to put it plain and frank. I was not exercising at all (as the gyms was shut) and I became un interested in the foods I was eating. This is the other reason why I was blogging my my journey on here, showing all my tips and tricks. I love exercising as much as promoting nutrition and health. During lockdown I watched many people taking up running, cycling and outdoors activities in the local park. This is something that I could have considered doing, however my worry is the weather, as that can affect my mood and desire to exercise outdoors. So the only way I can focus is to look at the foods I am eating, and just make some changes, implement new recipes into my cooking routine, whilst waiting for the gym to open.  

When lockdown eased for the final time in April 2021,  and the gyms opened, (much to my relief!!)  I decided to record my measurements to start my healthy lifestyle journey, just to see where I am at, my starting point, and where I needed to work on. I then decided that in six to eight months time, I would re visit this again to track progress. I recorded the following:

• Weight
• Waist 
• Hip
• Waist to hip ratio
• bicep

Below were the figures that I recorded:

• weight: 67.3kg
• Waist: 87cm
• Hip: 98cm
• Bicep: 40 inches 
• Waist to hip ratio: 0.89

As you can see from the details above, they were quite high, however I had already made a plan in place to make these changes, and hopefully make an improvement on the figures. 

So my journey began from that, as I have been posting on the blog, I was preparing meals, going for healthier options, and started going back to the gym. Not only that but I was making plans to try and go to bed early, and practice mental health techniques, as this can play a part in the types of food that I chose to have, as well as influencing me to sleep better and increase concentration. I focused on these changes for at least six months. I kept a diary of this weekly, which I can now be able to share with you the results. 

The results below was recorded on the 10th October 2021

• Weight: 68kg
• Waist: 79cm
• Hip: 96cm
• Bicep: 35 inches
• Waist to hip ratio: 0.82

Lets use these two sets of data (From April 2021, and October 2021) to analyse the results. 

First off you may or may not have noticed, I did not mention at all about Body Mass Index (also called BMI) the reason is that as much as it is a great tool to track health, sometimes it may be challenging if the person does not fall within this. Take for me for example, I am 5 feet 4 inches, and as you can see from my weight I weigh 68kg. On the BMI scale I would be classed as overweight, however as you can see from the data, I would personally state that my health was ok (for now) of course there are other scientific techniques that I would like to use to get a even more clearer picture of my health (which I will do at some point) but yes BMI is a great way to track state of health, but I would state to use other forms also to track this. 

My weight increased by a kilogram in the last six months, comparing the two data sets, which was not an issue for me, as I did not do this to monitor my weight. Weight is never something I worry about regarding my health. The points that I monitor are the others like the waist, hips etc. 

apart from the weight I have reduced the numbers on the other factors. The biggest change I made was the waist, which is nearly by 10cm difference, and something that I am proud of. Monitoring waist is something that is extremely important because increased waist can be an indicator of type 2 diabetes as well as other heart issues, including increased body fat. This then nicely leads to the waist to hip ratio, and the bicep measurements. These figures shows that I have reduced the amount of fat in these areas, as well as trying to build muscle. Increased body fat again is something that can be an issue, which I have discussed in my previous blog posts. 

Overall I am still on my healthy lifestyle journey but my point is to show that you have to start off somewhere, in order to get to the destination. The very first time I recorded this, I was a bit disappointed, but then realised that I can make a change for the better, that is all we can do, is to strive to be better. 

Ditch the Scales, and embrace the waist tape is my motto !!