Measure your Success

Measure Your Success
Article By: Stephanie Osfield www.weightwtachers.com


The scale isn't the only way to measure your success. Here are some other great signs that you're well on your way to your goal weight.

Tracking your weight loss on the scale is great — it helps to have a visible, written or online record that shows how far you've come. But don't limit yourself! There are other ways to measure your success, ways that'll set your motivation in motion and keep your efforts on track.

Pay attention to some of the more tangible changes in the new you, such as how you:Feel better about yourselfNotice that spring in your step, that excitement at the beginning of a new day. Your confidence is soaring because you're well on your way to a healthier new you, and you can feel it.
Measure up with a tape measure "Some forms of exercise stimulate a small increase in muscle mass, which may show as weight gain on the scales," says Bill McArdle, exercise physiologist for Weight Watchers International. "However, because muscle occupies less space than fat, your circumference becomes smaller when your fitness increases." Monitor these changes by taking your measurements, or by trying on the same pair of now-too-big pants and seeing how they look and feel different.
Buy a smaller size!It's the classic milestone: You head to the mall to buy a new pair of jeans (because that belt just isn't cutting it any more), and you see that you've slimmed down your clothing size. Congrats!
Know when to say "no, thanks"Your discipline is marked and you're proud of it. You carefully stick to your plan and know when your body's telling you that you're full.
Recognize your triggersHormonal swings. A major deadline at the office. You know what sends you into splurge mode, and you keep low-cal snacks at hand to circumvent those high-risk periods. You also use the Weight Watchers Tools For Living to stop you from eating trigger foods in the first place.
Order like a proYou order your fish grilled, not deep-fried; tomato sauces, not creamy ones. You ask for salad dressings on the side and vegetables as appetizers. You even share that rich dessert with a friend: Your dinner choices indicate a healthy plan IQ.
And cook like a pro Your stir-fry is made with just a touch of oil and veggies, not meat, and your cream of mushroom soup contains fat-free milk, not cream. Tasty and good for your waistline.
Then, you enjoy your mealsYou've invested in some pretty placemats and bought some candles. You turn off the TV, turn up the relaxing music and truly enjoy your food.
Choose food-free rewardsWhen you reach weight-loss milestones, you indulge in a facial or new workout clothes instead of a bag of potato chips.
Exercise without exhaustion!For example, you walk up the stairs without feeling out of breath and run for the bus with ease. "This is because weight loss reduces the cost of exercise on the body, you have less mass to lug around," says McArdle.
Accept compliments gracefullyAfter all, you deserve them. (And we know they're coming in full force!) You've worked hard and your efforts are paying off.
Slow and Steady = Success!
Reaching goal-weight and staying there is all about realistic, achievable goals. This means:
Setting out to initially lose 5 or 10 percent of your body weight. Then, once you reach that goal weight, you can focus on the bigger picture.
Breaking your weight loss up so you can enjoy smaller triumphs earlier. It will improve your self-esteem and help keep you motivated. Now that is a sign of success!