These Are the 5 "Worst Times" to Weigh Yourself, Says Coach
Are you weighing yourself at all the wrong times? It's likely, according to one expert. Dillon Swinney is an online fitness coach who helps his clients burn fat and build lean muscle by eating foods they love. In a new post, he reveals the "5 worst times to weigh yourself" on a calorie deficit. "Weighing yourself can be one of the easiest ways to measure progress, but it doesn't always tell the full story—especially when you're in a calorie deficit. Here are 5 times to avoid stepping on the scale," he writes. He also reveals the best time to step on the scale.
After Eating a Lot of Carbs
The first time you should avoid weighing yourself is after eating a lot of carbs. "Carbs can cause your body to retain water. For every gram of carbs you consume, your body may store 3-4 grams of water. If you've had a carb-heavy meal, don't stress about the scale going up—it's temporary water weight," he says.
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After Eating Salty Foods
The next time you should avoid jumping on the scale is after eating a lot of salty foods. "Foods that are high in sodium can make your body hold onto water, causing a temporary weight gain. If you've had salty foods or fast food, your body might be holding onto 2-4 lbs of extra water weight. This will drop off after a couple of days," he says.
After a Hard Workout
It might be tempting to weigh yourself right after exercising, but he doesn't recommend it. "Post-workout, your muscles can be swollen from exertion and may hold on to fluids. This temporary weight gain is nothing to worry about—it's not fat, just muscle repair and water retention," he says.
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When You're Stressed or Anxious
Another situation in which you should avoid the scale? When you are stressed or anxious. "Stress can elevate cortisol levels, which may cause your body to hold onto extra water. If you've had a stressful day, your weight could be up, but it's not reflective of your fat loss progress," he writes.
When You Haven't Had Enough Sleep
If you didn't sleep last night, you shouldn't weight yourself. "Lack of sleep can affect your body's metabolism and water balance, leading to temporary weight fluctuations. If you haven't slept well, it can show up on the scale, even if you're still in a calorie deficit," he says.
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Here Is When You Should Weigh Yourself
So when should you weigh yourself? "For the most consistent readings, weigh yourself first thing in the morning after you use the bathroom, before eating or drinking anything," he says. "Remember, the scale doesn't define your progress. Stay consistent with your efforts and look at the bigger picture." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.
