Your body weight is only one part of the healthy living story. Rejoice in all of the wonderful things happening in your body as you make healthier choices.
If you’re stuck in a weight loss plateau or the scales are moving slower than you’d like, it can be tempting to assume things aren’t working. But we need to remember that eating healthfully, moving regularly and sleeping well have incredible body benefits outside of the number on the scales.
Weight loss can be a fickle beast, sometimes going in ebbs and flows, even when it feels like you’re following your program to a tee. The fact is though, there are so many factors beyond your diet that affect weight loss, with everything from muscle changes to hydration status to age to genetics to sex all playing a part.
So rather than seeing a slump in the scales as disappointing, stick with your healthy resolve and shift your attention to the other amazing experiences that come when you prioritise your health, which are worthy of a high five.
1. Your clothes fitting more comfortably.
As your body starts to change you may find your clothes are more comfortable or you’re able to wear clothes you haven’t for a while.
2. A drop in waist circumference.
Belly fat (called visceral fat) surrounds our internal organs and has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and breast cancer, compared to fat stored on our limbs (called subcutaneous fat), which is thought to be relatively metabolically safe. So if you’ve got a drop in tummy centimetres or are looking more pear-shaped than apple, then you have plenty of reason to cheer.
3. You’re more energetic.
There’s more benefits to a “balanced” diet than just a swathe of antioxidants and fibre – eating nutritious fuel can really balance energy levels too, reducing peaks and troughs throughout the day so you feel like you’re on a more even keel.
4. Your skin is glowing.
One of the biggest bonuses of a health kick is the affect it can have on our skin, with whole foods like fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats said to improve your complexion and get glowing skin.
5. Your belly is more comfortable.
A wholesome diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains not only aids weight loss – the high fibre content also makes going to the toilet more comfortable and regular.
