It's important to remember that your scale does not tell the whole story and you can have MAJOR changes to your body composition without seeing the number you think you should.
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Here is a side by side comparision that really drives this point home. The photo on the left was taken in 2012 and I weighed 199 pounds. I remember my weight from that day becuase I was so excited to be running this 5k with my family having broken the 200 lbs barrier. It was a perfect day to reflect on everything I had achieved this far. I had lost 60 pounds from my heaviest weight and was about three years into my running journey. I was proud of that progress (and rightfully so!), but things were definfely different than today. I was doing no strength training and while I was eating more balanced meals and learning portion control, I wasn’t really paying attention to protein intake.
Fast forward to today — HIGHER number on the scale, and a very different body. The difference isn’t just physical, it’s foundational. I have my current body composition because I have built muscle which has happened because of my focus on strength training and protein.
I also learned to prioritize fiber, water, steps, and sleep, which helped me stay consistent with my healthy behaviors and keep focused on my goals. These small daily habits compounded over time, supporting my energy, recovery, and overall progress — even when the scale didn’t reflect the changes immediately.
So the next time you see a “familiar” number on the scale, remind yourself — you’re not the same person you were the last time you saw it. You’ve learned, grown, and evolved in ways that no scale could ever measure.
And I beg you, TAKE PHOTOS EVERY SO OFTEN. I know it can be tough, but you will want them later so you can be proud of them!
