Everyone knows losing weight is less than easy. And checking the scale after weeks of hard work to see little progress can be frustrating to say the least. But, have you ever considered non-scale victories? Or what I like to call a “NSV”?
I’ve found over my journey with weight loss that my NSVs have been my most significant milestones.
Here’s a short back story.
I have been an athlete my whole life. Track, soccer, MMA. I’ve done a lot. But after I got injured in MMA and then became a mom, the pounds piled on. In January of 2017 I was admitted to the hospital for anaphylactic shock. They asked me how much I weighed once I was stable and I didn’t know the answer. They used the bed to weigh me and I weighed 265lbs. I am 5’7” so I knew this wasn’t good for me. (I know you’re probably wondering why I’m starting with numbers on a non scale victory post but hang with me.)
I had already been considering trying keto because I had a friend with tons of success who was able to keep the weight off and I guess hearing that “265” was a switch for me. So, once I got home, the diet – no – the lifestyle change started.
I had little belief in myself because (still now), I’m not cleared to work out. How was I going to do it? Surely diet alone couldn’t change my body composition. (Spoiler alert: Wrong!)
As of today I weigh 160lbs. I’ve still got some work to do – and some of it can’t be done with diet alone, but I’ll get there no doubt. (Something I wouldn’t have said one year ago, another NSV.)
But it hasn’t been easy. There were times when my weight loss would completely stall. That’s actually happening now. It used to really discourage me and I’m here to hopefully keep that from happening to you.
Because, you see – even if the scale isn’t changing, (or maybe it’s even going up 1-2lbs if you’re in the gym a lot – or maybe you had a few days high in sodium or you’re a lady and hormones suck but I digress), as long as you’re sticking with your routine and your habits, your body is still changing. In these periods where I don’t see big drops on the scale? That’s when I see big changes in inches and in the sizes I wear.
NSVs feel so good. So much better than any number on a scale could make me feel. I am comfortable in my own skin again. I feel like myself again. And on the really good days? I think I look hot! THESE are the things that keep me going. And they should be the things that drive you, too. The number is just another form of proof that you’re reaching a goal you set. Just like sizes, which Lordy, we know vary! Raise your hand if you own like 15 different sizes of jeans! (Men have it so easy.)
Most women have “goal” jeans they keep in the top of their closet (maybe men too?). I had a pair from college. When I tried them on, they were too big. Talk about a NSV.
I recently compared a picture of my face from a year ago to now and it blew my mind. Scales have lost this battle.
Are you feeling me yet? Don’t rely on that scale. Rely on you and what makes YOU feel good. That dress that was a little too tight three months ago but now you’ve lost ten pounds? GIRL, WORK IT!
Finally feeling good again? Don’t stop! Long term NSVs show me that I’ve gained confidence I didn’t know I had, and there’s no scale in this world that can give me that.
Don’t quit when the numbers stall. Look for the NSV. I promise it’s there. And just keep pushing. Persistence pays off. I’m living proof. You are beautiful no matter what the number on the scale says. (Or the size on those jeans!) Embrace your non-scale victories. They’ll show you some love back if you let them.
LYH, Titan Strong. ??
Amber Addison
Amber Addison is a southern mama who writes about real life love in small town USA. She enjoys writing contemporary romance that has it’s ups and downs just like the trials that we face in our day to day. Love isn’t perfect and she doesn’t pretend that it is.
Amber writes anything from swoon worthy military guys to sexy soccer players. When she’s not writing about hot guys and strong women, she’s reading or cleaning up an endless trail of toys left behind by her dog and daughter or getting tattoos.
Nominated for Best Debut Author, 2017, UtopiaCon
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