Non-Scale Victories

Many clients come to me for fat loss coaching, and the scale is a great tool to assess the progress of that weight loss. First of all, it's just a tool, that's it. But more importantly, there is more to fitness than weight, which is very important to remember.

Non-Scale Victories (NSV) are achievements that are very worthy of celebration, but they have nothing to do with the scale. What these are will depend on the person and their circumstance, but here are a few examples:

• You did more weight than ever before on an exercise

• You did more reps than ever before on an exercise

• You have more muscle mass

• You feel more confident

• You have more endurance

• You are more consistent with your exercise routine

• You have less pain

• You have more energy

• Your mood has improved

• You are less bloated

• You have better digestion

• Your sleep is better

• You are more productive

• Your skin looks better

• Your bloodwork is better

• You are eating more vegetables

• You are eating more fruits

• You are eating less processed foods

• You have a better relationship with food

• You are planning your nutrition better

• Meal prep is becoming easier

• You are improving your mindless snacking

• You can better listen to hunger cues

• You are getting better at tracking

• You are copping better with guilt

• You no longer need medication

That's a lot of things. They are very important achievements, as very normal as you get fitter and healthier. None of them requires losing weight.

If the scale is being stubborn at a particular point in time, remember that NSV are just as important. Don't be too focused on the scale, and you will probably break that plateau soon anyway!