Tracking Your Progress Without the Scale | #36

Click here to access a written transcript of this episode.

In a weight-centric world, the scale is heralded as the ultimate tool to track progress, and the number it provides is treated as a proxy for health, well-being, fitness, nutrition, and more. The way we view the scale is so distorted that it has taken on a carnival game sheen – “Just step right up and instantly receive a judgment on your worth, health, and so much more!”

While the scale may be useful in some contexts, that doesn't change the fact that the only thing the scale can tell you is your weight at a specific moment in time. Which, all things considered, is a pretty simplistic measure. So why do we continue to use the scale as an arbiter of such complex areas of our lives?

In this solo episode, I argue that we shouldn't be relying on the scale as a way of tracking progress towards our health and wellness goals. I also go into detail about alternative ways to track your progress, including:

• Changes in your ability level.
• Changes in your level of pain or your health conditions.
• Changes in your energy levels and stress levels.
• Changes in your thought patterns and mindset.
• Changes in how well you're able to listen to your body and respond to its needs.

Using progress-tracking tools like the above will allow you to get a better picture of your overall health and well-being than the scale could ever provide. And as an added bonus, you'll learn a ton about yourself in the process.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Weight-Inclusive Medical Care with Jess Campbell | #23
• Health At Every Size and Weight Stigma with Ashley M. Seruya | #2
• Body of Truth by Harriet Brown
• Body Respect by Lindo Bacon and Lucy Aphramor
• Seasons of Love from Rent

Featured in This Episode

Shohreh Davoodi (she/her) was the host of the Conjuring Up Courage podcast during the show's three-year run. Currently, Shohreh is focusing her attention on being a writer and creator. You can keep up with Shohreh by subscribing to her newsletter, The Queer Agenda, and following her on Instagram and TikTok.