We’ve all tried hard to lose that stubborn weight at one point or another, right? From spending extra hours in the gym to curbing our food cravings, we’ve done it all. However, when it’s time to step on the weighing scale, we sometimes face our worst nightmare – weight gain! Does this sound familiar? If yes, stop and think twice before you step on the weighing scale next time. While it’s natural to blame yourself, did you know that the time you weigh yourself makes a huge difference? Certain times of the day are more suitable for checking your weight than others. If you weigh yourself at odd hours, you’ll only be disappointed with what you’ll see on the scales. Here, we’ll share the six worst times to check your weight, according to nutritionist Deepshikha Jain.
Also read: 6 high-carbohydrate foods you shouldn’t skip from your weight loss diet
Here are the 5 worst times to check your weight:
1. After eating or drinking
What you eat or drink before weighing makes a big difference. If you eat a heavy meal or drink a lot of water before getting on the scale, your weight will naturally increase. This is because your body is still digesting and absorbing fluids, resulting in weight fluctuations. To avoid this, make sure you either have an empty stomach or have eaten a light meal.
Photo Credit: iStock
2. During your menstrual cycle
According to nutritionists, you should avoid checking your weight during your menstrual cycle. During this time, our body undergoes several hormonal changes, which can cause water retention. As a result, you may temporarily gain a few extra kilos, but this does not reflect actual fat gain or loss. Hence, it is best to measure your weight after your menstrual cycle is over.
3. After an intense workout
Do you have a habit of measuring your weight after a strenuous workout? If so, it’s time to stop. While it may be tempting to check to see if there are signs of improvement, remember, weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. “After exercise, your muscles may retain water to aid recovery, which can lead to a temporary increase in weight,” explains Deepshikha. Give your body time to recover, then measure your weight.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Immediately after waking up
You should also avoid checking your weight immediately after waking up. While it is advisable to measure your weight in the morning, avoid doing so if you have had a disturbed sleep or have drunk water at night. Nutritionists further suggest not to check your weight if you feel bloated or dehydrated. Instead, check your weight the next day or when you feel better.
5. After the holiday
Checking your weight immediately after returning from a vacation may not be a good idea. When on vacation, we tend to overeat, which can lead to weight gain. Instead, give yourself a few days and then measure your weight. During this time, you can follow a strict diet and fitness routine. After that, go to the weighing scale to see more accurate results.
Also read: 5 simple Ayurvedic foods that can be the key to your weight loss journey
Watch the full video below:
View this post on Instagram
Losing weight is important, but the main thing is to focus on the bigger picture of overall health, not just what you see on the scales. Stay fit and healthy!