Ditch the Scale—Focus on Habits That Matter
When most people think about fitness, they picture stepping on a scale and watching the numbers go down. But as a mom, focusing solely on weight can be discouraging and counterproductive. Instead, shifting your focus to building sustainable habits can help you achieve long-term results and a healthier lifestyle.
Why Weight Isn’t the Best Measure of Success
The number on the scale doesn’t tell the full story. It doesn’t reflect your energy levels, strength, or how your clothes fit. It also doesn’t account for the non-physical benefits of fitness, like improved mental health and reduced stress.
For moms, this is especially important. After having kids, your body changes in ways that the scale can’t capture. Focusing on habits instead of weight allows you to celebrate progress in a more meaningful way.
Building Habits for Long-Term Change
Habits are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Start with small, realistic actions you can build on over time. For example:
Commit to drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Set aside 10 minutes for movement daily, whether it’s stretching or walking.
Use a habit tracker or journal to log your progress.
Consistency is more important than intensity. It’s better to work out for 10 minutes every day than to push yourself through an hour-long workout once a week. Over time, these small actions add up and become part of your routine.
Accountability Can Make a Difference
If you struggle to stay consistent, accountability might be the missing piece. Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or an online community, having someone to check in with can keep you motivated and on track. Planning is probably the easiest part. Most of us are really good at making plans. It’s the follow through where we struggle. That’s where accountability comes in.
Celebrate Non-Scale Wins
As you build habits, take time to celebrate milestones that have nothing to do with weight. Did you finish your first week of daily walks? Have you noticed an increase in energy or better sleep? Is bedtime more fun? (wink wink!)
These victories matter and are worth acknowledging.
Personal Share: Little Eyes and Little Ears
Most of us remember some form of diet culture in our homes as little girls. I remember a can of Slim Fast in the cupboard, my mom losing loads of weight on the Atkins Diet and years of people talking about their weight. I remember a girl in high school telling me about her intentional eating disorder so that her ribs were visible to meet her ballet instructors approval.
Our children hear us and they see us. I personally see diet culture and weightloss through a whole other lens as a mother. I want my daughters to love their bodies and treat themselves with respect. That starts with me. How I think about my body and how I talk about my body.
BTW- if this brings up feelings for you, I highly recommend therapy. It helped me.
Bottom line: If you’re ready to focus on habits that truly make a difference, I want you to download my free Rebuild Your Core Guide to start building a fitness routine that supports your goals without relying on the scale.
