So, now that we’re on our way to getting over our obsession with calorie counting I’d like to add one more hurdle to overcome. Weight. Stop obsessing over that scale. Just stop. While it is an indicator, it neglects many factors that are so much more important such as muscle mass (which weighs more AND burns twice the calories per Lb.), and body fat percentage (yes, some people’s bones are more dense and do weigh a bit more). If you really do want an accurate measurement of your mass (the correct science geek term for weight) you would have to book a costly hydrostatic weigh-in: First you are weighed on land. Next you are seated on a special scale, lowered underwater and asked to expel all the air from your lungs and remain motionless while the underwater weight is measured. This procedure is repeated three times and averaged. Those calipers they use on you in the gym: also fairly useless FYI (everyone’s fat distribution ratio is different due to genetics, hormones, diet) pinching one area of your body won’t be able to give you an accurate overall reading.

Try this on for size: How do your clothes fit? I have not weighed myself in at least 4 years now. How do I know how I’m doing? My jeans from junior year fit me. It’s really that simple. How do I regulate my muscle mass? If I see a little jiggle in the thighs when I’m walking, I turn up the heat on my squats or add an extra run in my week. While having a quantitative goal to work towards may be immensely helpful to some of you, I bet there are just as many who would prefer a no-brainer approach to weight loss. So try this: Center your weight loss goal around fitting into that old pair of jeans you can’t bear to purge. I know they’re there -in the back of your closet. Pull ‘em out and give them a try. It’s some of the best motivation I have ever experienced.

Keep in mind, I’m not saying you should not weigh yourself, I am merely recommending that you think twice before accepting the reading on your scale as doctrine. There are many more factors to consider in achieving ideal body shape. For all of you obsessed folks out there: Take a deep breath and focus your energy on something that will help you: Making some healthy choices you can commit to in order to shape your new healthy lifestyle. The rest will follow suit. I promise.