Step away from scale! For some people, measuring your weight loss goals by constantly weighing yourself can become really discouraging. Your weight fluctuates throughout the day and water weight alone can be responsible for a 2-4lbs increase in a single day. Here are some other metrics that can tell you if you’re staying on track:
Energy
If you’re seeing an improvement in your energy levels throughout the day, this means you’re successfully balancing your blood sugar levels. Diets that focus on healthy fats, proteins, and high fiber vegetables can increase insulin sensitivity and support weight loss.
Increased Endurance
If you notice you’re able to complete your cardio workouts more easily or can add a few more minutes to that run or bike ride, you may not only be building muscle but also improving your body at a cellular level. Interval training and other aerobic exercises increase mitochondrial capacity. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells and begin to function less efficiently with ago, so regular exercise is extremely important.
Reduced Sugar Cravings
If you’ve been cutting back on sugar and find that you’re craving sweets less, this is definitely a sign you’re breaking the sugar cycle. When we eat sugar in excess, our pancreas releases extra insulin. Insulin signals our cells to take in and store excessive amounts of glucose. When this occurs our blood sugar drops, causing us to crave sugar again because our bodies know it provides a rapid energy boost. Eating in a balanced way optimizes your blood sugar, and reduces cravings, which both help with long term weight loss.