You already know how I feel about exclusively using the scale to measure progress.
So what do we measure instead?
Read more about how we track progress in my practice because even if the scale doesn’t change, there are plenty of ways to measure success:
>> body measurements changes: loss of inches is usually a sign that you’re decreasing body fat and gain of inches can be a sign that you’re increasing lean muscle. We typically see loss in the trunk area or midsection and maintenance in the glutes, butt, or hip area especially if you’re strength training.
>> progress picture changes: for the same reasons as above, I recommend taking front, side and back pictures at least one time per month to track more subtle changes in your body composition.
>> scale weight: understand that weight loss and fat loss are distinctly different and you should expect to see plateaus with your body weight as you lose fat.
>> symptom improvement: some signs and symptoms that typically improve with nutrition changes include energy, hair, skin, nails, sleep quality and duration, digestion, appetite, cravings, and exercise performance.
>> habit/behavior change: creating your own personal “grey area” between strictly adhering to macros and “eating like you disrespect yourself” is a sign of progress. Many people have a hard time with the middle ground and it’s my goal to help you create your own set of “rules” so you can be successful long term.
>> calorie and macronutrient intake: it is a sign of improved metabolism if you increase your average calories while seeing weight loss or fat loss. I love to see my clients eating more and seeing their body improve in composition (lean muscle gain and fat loss).
Make sure you include MULTIPLE measures of progress and success!
how to know if your macros are working for you
- August 9, 2021
