Let’s have a really honest talk. How many of us 40+ women start our day with a ritualistic step onto the bathroom scale, holding our breath and hoping for a favourable number?
How many of us let that number dictate our mood, our food choices, and even our self-worth for the rest of the day?
If this sounds familiar, I beg you – please ditch that scale and embrace a radically different approach to midlife health.
The Scale is a Liar, Especially in Midlife
As we navigate the midlife years, our bodies undergo a drastic but natural transformation. The huge hormonal shifts in our bodies change everything and the number on the scale becomes increasingly unreliable. It’s like trying to measure your happiness with a ruler – the tool simply isn’t designed for the job.
And if anyone tells you this is a ‘load of rubbish’ I would put money on the fact that they are under 40 or aren’t a woman!
Think about it:
Hormonal Havoc: Estrogen, progesterone, Testosterone and even thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating our body weight and fluid balance. As these hormones fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause, so too does the number on the scale. It’s a rollercoaster ride that has little to do with your actual health.
Water Weight: Did you have a salty meal last night? Are you retaining water due to hormonal changes? That extra glass of water before bed can easily translate to a higher number on the scale, even if your body composition hasn’t actually changed.
Stress and Sleep: Stress and lack of sleep can wreak havoc on our hormones, leading to water retention and weight fluctuations. So, that stressful day at work could be the reason for the scale’s unwelcome surprise, not your healthy dinner.
Muscle Matters: This is where the scale really fails us. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass. But here’s the empowering part: strength training can not only help us maintain muscle but even build it! Muscle is denser than fat, meaning you can gain weight while actually becoming leaner and stronger. The scale won’t show this progress, but your clothes will fit better, you’ll have more energy, and you’ll look and feel amazing.
The Mental Toll: Let’s be honest, the scale can be a real downer. Constantly judging ourselves based on a fluctuating number can lead to anxiety, depression, and a negative body image. This emotional baggage is far more detrimental to our health than a few extra pounds and can lead to a disordered relationship with food and exercise.
Beyond the Number: Embracing Body Composition
Instead of obsessing over weight, let’s shift our focus to body composition. This means looking at the ratio of fat to muscle in our bodies. A woman with a higher muscle mass might weigh more than a woman with a higher fat percentage, but she’ll be healthier, stronger, and more metabolically active.
Here’s how to get a better understanding of your body composition:
DEXA Scan: This highly accurate scan measures your bone density, fat mass, and lean muscle mass. It provides a detailed picture of your body’s composition, allowing you to track your progress beyond the scale. There are other, cheaper scans available too, although these may be less accurate. However, if you use the same machine over time, they are still a great way to measure progress.
The Clothing Test: Ultimately, how you feel in your clothes and how your body looks in the mirror are powerful indicators of your progress. Are you feeling stronger, more toned, and more confident? Are your clothes fitting better or maybe even feeling too big? Those are the real victories! Find something in your wardrobe that doesn’t fit comfortably anymore and set yourself a goal to be rocking it again!
Progress Photos: Take regular photos of yourself in the same outfit and lighting. This can be a powerful way to see the changes in your body over time, even if the scale isn’t budging. No one likes taking these photos but if you start seeing the changes in them, they are hugely motivating.
Reclaim Your Power, Reclaim Your Health
It’s time to take control, not just of your health, but of your image in the mirror. Imagine waking up every morning feeling vibrant and alive, your skin glowing, your eyes sparkling with energy. Picture yourself slipping into your favourite clothes, the ones you may have abandoned in the back of your closet, and feeling confident and beautiful in them. This is the power of prioritising your health.
As you focus on nourishing your body not starving it and training for strength not to burn calories, you’ll notice a huge transformation – physically and mentally.
Your body will become leaner and stronger, reflecting the inner strength you’re cultivating. Your hair will regain its luster, your skin will radiate a youthful glow, and your eyes will shine with renewed vitality.
But it’s not just about outward appearances. You’ll also experience a surge of energy that will propel you through your day with confidence and enthusiasm. You’ll feel lighter, more agile, and ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
This is the power of reclaiming your health. It’s about feeling amazing both inside and out. It’s about loving the reflection that stares back at you in the mirror and embracing the vibrant, confident woman you were always meant to be.
And to do that you need to first ditch the scales!