I’ve been thinking about this post for a while now. Today I ended up reading a few posts related to it so I decided to just write it.
There are a few things about dieting or a weight loss journey or whatever you want to call it that are black and white. You can’t change these rules, they are what they are.
There are some other “rules” that some will say are “the only way to succeed”. I’m here to tell you that sometimes it’s OK to make your own rules.
Myth #1: You must exercise in the morning.
I’m not going to argue that there are advantages to exercising in the morning. But, the important thing is to exercise. Morning, afternoon, night just do it. By no means am I an exercise expert. But, it took me a while to get it through my head that it was OK to exercise in the afternoon or evening.
My Rule #1: Just Do It!
Myth #2: You should only weigh-in once a week/month or the one I’m seeing now — never weigh-in
Don’t get me wrong, I understand the thinking behind each of these recommendations. The important thing, however, is to do what works for you on YOUR healthy journey. For years I felt like it was bad to weigh-in more than once a week. You know what, WHO CARES. I think the important thing is to figure out what works for you. And do that!!!! If you are most successful just watching how your clothes fit then throw your scale away (unless it’s nice then send it to me). If you’re most successful weighing in once a month then do that. If you’re most successful weighing in once a week then do that. For me, I’ve found that I’m most successful weighing in daily. I don’t recommend that for everyone, but it works for me. I have a tendency to look at today, if I weigh in less than daily I have a tendency to say “I’ll fix it tomorrow” which translates in my head to “I can eat what I want today and do better tomorrow”.
Now, one downfall of weighing in daily is that you will notice little fluctuations…you have to be able to accept that. When I see a small drop (or even better a big drop) I celebrate. When I see a gain, I evaluate. That’s what’s important. If you’re the type that is going to beat yourself up over a gain one day then this might not be the way to go.
My Rule #2: Weigh-in (or don’t weigh-in) on a schedule that works for YOU.
Really, it is all about you. 
It’s about YOUR success. It’s about YOU getting healthy. It’s about YOUR journey. So, do what works for YOU.
There are other “rules” that I read about that people say are the “only” way to succeed in your healthy journey. I challenge you to listen to them, and see if these suggestions will help you, but know that you can make your own rules.
What weight-loss myths bug you? What rules have you made up for your journey to health?
Wednesday calories: 1,458
20 August 2009, 5:55 AM
i love your fules!!
i exercise a lot in the morning, just because i love being able to go straight home after work. i love having the exercise done for the day first thing. but sometimes lunch works better. and sometimes after work is my only option.
i hate the “eating less calories is always better” mentality.
20 August 2009, 6:46 AM
I really really liked this post!!
Ahh, there have been so many “rules” that have really bothered me but I can’t think of one right now. I’ll comment back if one comes to mind because right now I’ve drawn a complete blank.
Mia´s last blog ..a break.
20 August 2009, 12:22 PM
Great post! It took me forever to realise each person’s weightloss journey is different and what works for one may not work for another!
Sweety´s last blog ..Delicious and simple carrot salad