I threw away the scale, but it's back.

Hi friends!

If you're in Massachusetts (like me!), I hope you're staying warm as our temperatures are starting to drop :( .....I'm not a fan of anything below 60 degree weather.

Ok, so I'll get right to it. Several years ago, I got rid of the scale. I stopped weighing myself and even when I go to the Doctor, I look away while they’re weighing me, and I ask the nurse not to tell me my weight.  (Yes, I’ve gotten the question, “why?”) I realized long ago (probably about 20 years now!) that the number on the scale would haunt me.  And it would not only stress me out, it would cause me to obsess about my body and hurt my progress in healthy eating. Because, after stepping on the scale, I would only remember that number.  And I would think I needed to “diet” because let’s face it, we are never happy with the number on the scale.  We think it could always be lower, which in our mind, would be better. The problem is when I tell myself I can’t eat certain things because I need to lose weight, it leads me to want those foods more. The thought of deprivation is a trigger for me - to desire or “crave” the foods I think I should stay away from.  Instead, when I take the approach of allowing myself to eat what I want, when I want – with a “everything in moderation” mentality, I do much better.  For example, when I tell myself, “Sandra, you can eat ice cream whenever you want.  It will always be there.” (Which also means I always have ice cream in the freezer). Then I only eat it when I really want it, because I know it will always be available to me.  It’s when I label food as “bad” or “prohibited” that my psyche rebels.  Hence, me throwing out the scale all those years ago.

However, the scale has returned.  But nor for me.  My husband is having some health issues and is trying to get healthy.  He wants to change his unhealthy habits and lose weight to better his health.  So, he wants the scale for reference on how he’s doing.

It’s so interesting how one piece of metal and plastic can affect me.  I had to accept It being something I would see every day and let go of any past emotions about it and myself. But then came the temptation to get on the scale.  The enemy started prompting me: “don’t you want to know how much you weigh? It’s ok – you’re in a better place now. You can handle it. It’s just a number. It doesn’t define you. Just get on it.”  So, I started to even contemplate it and telling myself, “If I get on it, I will accept the number, and move on.  I will be fine.  It will be ok.”

See, the enemy is always prowling…trying to bring us doubt and shame.  He wants us to feel stuck. He wants to keep us away from the love of God.  If the enemy can get me to focus on me, my weight, on what I need to “fix” about my body, then he’s keeping me away from the love that God wants for me.  The freedom that God wants for me.  If I get on the scale, not only does the enemy win, then He starts another game: “ugh. Why did you do it?  Why did you get on the scale? See, you’re weak. You should have never done that. It was better not to know.” The enemy never stops.

After this battle in my head, I decided nope.  I can’t risk it.  I don’t want to go there.  I know the triggers that set me back and the scale is one major trigger for me.  And most importantly, I DON’T NEED TO KNOW. I’ve been fine without it for 20+ years. I am healthy RIGHT NOW.  I am strong RIGHT NOW. The number on the scale will not tell me how fit I am.  It can’t tell me how my body feels.  And I feel great! So, I hold my ground and tell the enemy to, “shut up.  I have Jesus in me, and He is what brings true joy, not food or my weight. I don’t need you to tell me ‘how I’m doing’”. The scale can stick around for however long my hubby needs it, but it’s got nothin’ on me. And neither does Satan.

What is a trigger for you?  Do you think it’s better to not buy those foods that are “bad” for you and not have them around the house?

“Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering. God, who shows you his kindness and who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong, and support you as you suffer for a little while. Power belongs to him forever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:8-11 (God's Word Translation)