Struggling with the scale? This is your reminder that your worth and health aren’t defined by a number. Discover how to measure progress in ways that truly matter so you can live fully while working toward your goals.
Hi, Coach Jeri here!
For many of us, the battle to lose weight has been lifelong, fighting against the desire for more food than our body needs. Over time, it can feel like weight has become part of our identity. I can remember my exact weight on different occasions in my life: “I weighed this when I got married,” “I weighed this in high school.”
You are not a weight. You are many things—more than just a number on the scale. Your worth and your health are not defined by a single number.
Many of us feel like we’re missing something compared to people who don’t struggle with food and weight. The real problem is when we try to postpone life until we hit a certain number. For years, I wouldn’t go swimming because I was waiting “until I got thin.” Now, swimming is a big part of my life, and honestly, I don’t care what anyone else thinks!
The promise that we will finally enjoy life “after we lose weight” can keep us stuck in a cycle of gaining and losing. Problems don’t disappear just because the scale changes. Treat yourself with the same kindness and open-mindedness you would show a close friend. Would you tell a friend to put their life on hold until their body was “perfect”?
When the number on the scale isn’t what we hoped for, that’s not the time to jump into restrictions or deprivation. Chasing fad diets only keeps the cycle going. Weight can fluctuate for many reasons, so it’s best to keep moving forward and look at your overall progress.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t weigh yourself. The scale is just a piece of data, like your blood pressure or cholesterol. It’s information that can help you take care of your overall health, but it shouldn’t control your life.
One of my favorite parts of the Healthi app and meetings is when members share their food finds and recipes. This encourages others to try new, healthier foods. I’ve learned that when you truly enjoy what you’re eating and don’t feel deprived, the journey becomes much easier.
Focusing on these small changes instead of just the number on the scale can help reduce stress and bring more balance into your life. Remember, your journey should include work, play, and rest.
Challenge yourself to do just “one more.” Track one more meal. Walk one more block. Call one more friend. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Don’t let the scale consume you.
I’ve seen many members feel discouraged when the scale only moves a few ounces or doesn’t move at all. As long as it’s going in the right direction, that’s what matters. Don’t be afraid to live your life. During summer activities, barbecues, and parties, it can feel overwhelming to stay on track, but the main thing is not to skip these events out of fear of overeating and dealing with the scale later.
If you need to postpone your weigh-in for a few days, that’s okay if it will help protect your mindset. Remember, we are all different—there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The world is full of different body shapes, sizes, and colors, and each one of us is unique.
Find your comfort level. It might be different from someone else’s, and that’s okay. For me, I chose the top end of the BMI chart as a comfortable place to maintain, and that helped me find peace after years of gaining and losing. For someone else, that might not work. Find what works for you, and remember:
Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated consistently as you move forward into a healthier lifestyle.
At the end of the day, you are so much more than a number on the scale. Keep focusing on the small steps you’re taking toward a healthier, happier life, and give yourself permission to live fully along the way. Your journey is about progress, not perfection—and you deserve to enjoy it.
July 18, 2025
