Hi!

Since I started with the low carbing (I was on Atkins, now on Phase 1 SB) I have noticed that my weight is never constant enough to be of any use to me. I literally can go from 146lbs to 156lbs (seen this morning), although all my clothes still fit exactly the same. I also weigh in at the same time of day, so it isn't that either. Very strange. I have always had a pretty stable weight and before the diet it way pretty fixed around 154lbs or so.

For this reason, I've decided to ditch the scales for a while and focus on other methods to track my progress. I have callipers (had to use, boyfriend has to do it for me - oh the humanity!) and a measuring tape. I am on day three of phase one, so I will try not to weigh in again until at least phase one is over.

Does anyone else use alternative ways to track progress or have the same problem with the scales?

Claire

Claire, you could always weigh less often, like once a month. Or you could track your weight daily on a graph so you can see the downward trend.

Kara, good idea. It is just hard to resist temptation!! I guess I'll ignore the scales and stick with the measuring tape every 2-3 weeks.

I see you live in Germany, Grüß Gott or whatever they say up your way (I'm in Austria).

Another idea: Get some pretty ribbons, measure your waist, a ribbon that length and date it. Each time your waist gets smaller, cut another and do the same thing. It's a good visual of your progress.

(Runs into studio to cut some ribbon.)

ooh! That is a good idea Ruth! I could make an art project out of it, what a great idea!

That is a neat idea, Ruth!

Claire, neat that you're in Austria! That has been one of our favorite trips so far!

I've been most successful when I track my actions rather than my weight. I use stickers on a calendar- green for eating right, blue for water, red for cardio, etc. That seems to keep me motivated and confident when the scale is not cooperating.

Unfortunately, right now I'm so close to onderland (and have been for a month or more!) that I can't seem to kick the scale habit just yet.

i like the ribbon idea as well since im a chronic scale junkie..hmm...need to go find some ribbon..

ANother great idea Southlake. Luckily I am a primary school teacher and have a supply of good behaviour charts... ;-) I now have a frog themed South Beach chart, I'm jumping for good behaviour! I just went running so I could stamp off today :-)

only weigh once a week and chart it. i love to see that little line stagger downward. there are times that it stays straight for a bit, but overall has a very downward trend. i also chart my measurements in different colors on the same graph.

I love the ribbon idea, wish I had known about it from the beginning. I've also wanted to do a weight loss graph type chart but haven't found one online. Any favorites sites?

Southlake, no longer up in the mountain?

Porthardygurl, glad to see another six footer! There don't seem to be many of us around.

Unfortunately, no. DH and I had been living apart for over a year and a half and the commute got ridiculously old (and expensive!) So, he left his job up there and came down to the Bay Area where my job is (a much better job market down here) Though I REALLY miss Tahoe, I'm not too terribly bummed that I'm missing out on their monstrous winter.

What about me!! Tall South Beach Chickees in the House!

Love the ribbon thing. I'm going to the craft store this weekend and making a little project out of it.

I'm having big weight swings, too. I know that, in my case, some foods I eat really make me retain water. If I go a couple days low sodium I get the WHOOSH experience and the weight continues downwards.

Sorry about that Koo, somehow I missed you before. Glad to finally see a few tall gals on the beach!