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Measuring Success

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Tracking your weight loss progress will allow you to monitor how well you are doing and encourage you to continue or do even better. But how?

Using a conventional scale can be misleading, especially if you are exercising and building muscle while losing fat. Frequent readings are also misleading because they fluctuate depending on what you have eaten, namely how much salt you have consumed and the resulting water retention.

Using a cloth measuring tape will allow you to track your progress over time, and a monthly measurement will provide you with enough information to track your progress. Here's how to measure your success:

  1. Stand in front of a full-length mirror so you can be sure you are measuring correctly. Use the mirror to make sure that the measuring tape is straight across and not diagonal. Wear minimal clothing.

  2. Measure your chest or bust, hips, upper arm and thigh circumference at the fullest part; measure your waist at the narrowest part above your belly button. Make notes on exactly where you place the measuring tape so that you can be consistent.

  3. When taking measurements, keep your posture straight. Pull the measuring tape snug, but not so tight that it makes an indentation in your skin.

  4. Take two measurements of each body part, measuring to the nearest 1/4 inch. If the two measurements are not the same, take a third and record the average.

Pick a date for your monthly measurements, and get started. Once you start seeing the changes, you'll be glad you did!

Healthy regards,
Megan Porter, RD