Kids, we've all been there: jumping on and off the scale, hoping that what was there yesterday (or in some cases only a few minutes ago) had changed in your favor. Then there's the instantaneous denial: well maybe the batteries are going bad or the scale has always been off or you're wearing too many clothes.

Here is the ugly truth about weight loss and why it's my philosophy to avoid the scale: it's actually quite possibly to get slimmer, but lose no weight. This generally happens when you are gaining muscle. In fact, you may even see an increase. You should, instead, focus on overall FAT loss and muscle gain!

Here are a few things to remember when you decide to step on a scale:

1. A scale only shows numbers. It does not take into account muscle gain, and my friends, muscle weighs much more than fat.

2. That number is watered down--meaning a scale is measuring water weight, the food you just ate, the weight of your bones and organs, in addition to the fat and muscle.

3. Throughout a day, your weight can fluctuate as much as ten pounds just based on what you've eaten and drank.

4. A scale doesn't reflect your health! Again, it can't tell the difference between muscle and fat in your body! In fact a person can be technically overweight for their height, but completely healthy if there is more muscle in the body than fat.

So what can you do to break this vicious cycle?

1. Go by how your clothes fit. If clothes that were once tight are now fitting more loosely, you ARE losing inches.

2. Measure your body--your waist, arms, thighs, and other areas. If things are a-shrinking, then you're on the right path.

3. Stay away from the scale. It's never a positive motivator for most folks.

Above all, don't let the scale tell you that you're not achieving your goals. Keep staying active, do your best, and forget the rest!