{HMW} Measuring Success Beyond the Scale
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Dear Reader, When I was deep in diet culture's grip, the scale held immense power over my emotions and self-worth. No matter how diligently I exercised or restricted calories, if that number didn't drop, I felt like a failure. The scale became my judge and jury, stripping away my sense of intuition and body trust. But here's what I've learned after years of coaching clients through their own relationships with food and body: the scale tells an incredibly limited story. It doesn't know about muscle gained, hormonal fluctuations, water retention, or medication effects. It can't possibly capture the complex tapestry of your own physiology and experiences. Since cultivating a more intuitive approach to eating and self-care 8 years ago, I've discovered numerous meaningful ways to gauge success & progress. These metrics honor the multidimensional nature of health and foster sustainability rather than frustration. β Beyond-the-Scale Success MetricsSleep quality: Are you getting enough restful sleep and maintaining healthy sleep rituals? Clothing comfort: How do your clothes feel on your body? Do you feel at ease in them? Energy levels: Can you navigate your day with vitality rather than exhaustion? Mental clarity: Do you feel focused, productive, and mentally sharp? Social connection: Are you nurturing friendships and community relationships? Life balance: Have you created space for family, hobbies, and nourishment alongside work? Hydration: Are you drinking enough water and/or hydrating foods throughout the day? Plant diversity: How's your intake of vegetables and fruits? Are you getting enough fiber and nutrients? Joyful movement: Did your physical activity feel enjoyable rather than punitive? Stress management: What techniques did you implement to reduce tension? Pleasure and rest: Did you allow yourself moments of relaxation and enjoyment? Mindfulness practice: Did you incorporate mindful moments into each day? Nourishing food choices: Did you eat foods that energized and satisfied you? Eating presence: Did you slow down and savor your meals? Emotional resilience: Did you stay engaged with life even during challenging emotions? Combined, these factors create a more bird's eye view of your health that no number on a scale could ever provide. They honor the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health that truly matter for long-term well-being. If you'd like support in developing a more intuitive relationship with food and body, I offer personalized coaching to help you break free from scale fixation and discover sustainable wellness practices. Together, we'll create an approach to health that honors your unique needs and fosters genuine self-trust. β βBook a consultation call today to discuss how we can transform your relationship with food, body, and well-being. β β Have it: Interesting article alert: How to be more Self-Aware: 3 Simple Exercisesβ β Tickets to go see Gretchen Rubin tonight at the Brattle Theater! - Comes with an autographed copy of her new book, Secrets of Adulthood. β β Made it: From the Archives: Surprising Causes of Stress-eating that you probably didn't know about.β β My Mom (gourmet chef) and my list of Essential Kitchen Tools (with links)β β My favorite Food Storage products and hacksβ β β Want it: I must try this: Linzer Cookie Cashew & Almond Butterβ β I would love to have a "wellness room" in my house. β β Ingredient Spotlight: Fonio This tiny ancient grain has been cultivated in West Africa for thousands of years, yet remains relatively unknown in many parts of the world. Fonio cooks in just 3 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals when you're short on time. With its light, fluffy texture and slightly nutty flavor, it works beautifully as a base for grain bowls, porridge, or as a side dish. Nutritionally, fonio packs quite a punch. It's gluten-free, rich in fiber, contains essential amino acids, and provides iron and zinc. Try fonio as a breakfast porridge with fruit and nuts, use it instead of couscous in salads, or serve it alongside stews and curries. It absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining its delicate texture. βTry these 3 easy and tasty ways to cook Fonio. β β Announcements and Upcoming: Coming next week! β β Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: Look Alive Out There, by Sloane Crossleyβ What I'm Watching: This Livestream of the Northern Lightsβ What I'm Listening to: All the songs for Eurovision this year!β What I'm Eating: Lazy Pierogi Gnocchi with Dilly Sour Creamβ β That's it for me this week. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny |