Guest Author - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

The only times I know my weight is at the doctor's office or at someone's home if they have a scale in their bathroom. I never weigh myself at home but I'm beginning to wonder if I should. Is it enough to trust my jeans as an indication of whether it's time to cut down on the chocolate chip cookies?

Benefits of daily or weekly weigh-ins
> Weight gain may not get out of control as quickly. That is, if you're a few pounds above your average you may be more likely to bring it back down fast because you're aware of it right away.
> You may be more in touch with your weight loss or gain if you weigh yourself regularly (some research supports this).
> If you know you're weighing yourself in the morning you may be less likely to overeat at night.

Benefits of trusting your jeans
> Your weight fluctuates by several pounds a day (or every few hours). This is normal and shouldn't concern you. You may not even realize it if you just trust your jeans.
> You don't get obsessed with a number.
> Fitness, health, and body composition is more important than body weight. If you trust your clothes, you may be more likely to focus on a healthy lifestyle.
> Since muscle weighs more than fat, you won't notice your weight increasing if you use your jeans as a measuring tool (if you're exercising and building muscle, that is!).

If you do it regularly
Be consistent. Step on the scale at the same time every day (preferably before breakfast and after using the washroom). If you weigh yourself once a week, pick a consistent day and time. Consistency includes using the scale in the same room every time, on the same spot on the floor.

Weekly or monthly may be the best bet
Based on my research and writing, I'd have to go with a combination of weighing myself weekly or monthly and being aware of how my clothes fit. That said, if I had a scale at home I know I wouldn't be able to prevent myself from hopping on it every morning!

Everyone's different. Find a healthy method to track your fitness level, and stick with it. You'll know what works just like you know when a peach is exactly ripe for you.