It's funny how there are certain markers that we use to determine if we are winning or losing.

Your bank account has more money coming in than going out? Winning.
Debit card declined? Losing.
Fit into your old jeans again? Winning!
The scale did not go down after a week of eating and exercising correctly? LOSING.

I can't tell you how many bad days I've had when the scale did not show me the number I was hoping for. Can you relate? If you see that your weight has gone down, you're euphoric; but if the number has stayed the same or has gone up, then your whole day is ruined. Sometimes those days can make you wonder why you even try.

Wanna know a secret?

You should not judge your success on weight loss alone! The scale is not the be-all-end-all indicator of success.

We've all heard the saying 'muscle weighs more than fat.' That's not exactly true. In reality, muscle is more dense than fat, so it takes up less space. When we're following the keto lifestyle, fat loss may occur without much weight loss. We lose fat, which takes up less space than muscle, while at the same time we are building muscle naturally (either from exercising or because Keto helps promote muscle growth).

Looking at the scale, it may seem like you didn't lose any weight, even though you probably did and most of that weight was fat.

So what should you pay attention to? Inches! Whether you are Keto or Paleo, multiple cleanses or no health plan in particular, the number of inches lost is a much better indicator of progress.

It's so hard to ignore that darn scale, but try to go at least one week without looking at it. Use how you're feeling (happy, irritable, good, tired, etc.) as an indicator of success instead of using the number on your scale.

Take your measurements (most people stick to their chest, waist, and hips, but you can also measure your thighs and/or arms if you want) with a sewing tape measure every week or so, and you'll soon see that you really are making progress.

The other cool thing about keto is that it is about so much more than weight loss. There are other advantages to doing keto that won't show up on the scale or be tracked with a tape measure. These may include:

• Clearer skin
• Lowered A1C
• Less Cholesterol
• Decreased anxiety
• More energy

These kinds of benefits are often referred to as 'non-scale victories' or NSV. You should take every NSV and run with them. You've earned every one of them!

You are awesome and you are WINNING!

I would love to hear about your wins. Whether they are non-scale victories or a measurable number of inches or pounds, you can shares those successes in my Facebook group!

You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare

DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The content in here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard here.