We know that we are heavier in the evening than in the morning. But which day is actually the most useful for weighing? Research has the answer!
Especially those who are trying to shed a few pounds are afraid of the weekly weighing day when they could not resist a piece of cake or two. What many forget: It is not only important whether we weigh ourselves in the morning or in the evening (because of course we are heavier in the evening), but also depending on the day our weight fluctuates back and forth. It actually follows a real cycle, as Cornell University researchers found in a study.
We weigh less during the week
Accordingly, our weight is lower during the week, but we gain weight on the weekend. Sunday we are the hardest, on Friday afternoon we should be the easiest. Clear case – then in future we should weigh ourselves on Friday morning so that we can look forward to positive results week after week, right? Not at all, because we're basically just lying to ourselves. It is more realistic to go by our average weight and stand on the scales on Wednesday. The mean value from Sunday and the following Friday gives us the best orientation as to how our weight is actually developing.
And how often should I weigh myself?
The question is not easy to answer. Some people just weigh themselves after getting up every morning. And research proves them right: studies show that daily weighing can give a good overview of one's own successes. But this doesn't work for everyone, because normal daily fluctuations can drive you completely crazy. True to the motto: Yesterday I strictly adhered to my healthy eating plan, how can it be that I weigh 300 grams more today? Motivation can get lost pretty quickly. Experts therefore recommend that anyone with a slightly lower level of frustration only weigh themselves once or twice a week.
The scales are not everything!
Quite apart from that, it is not a good idea to judge your success with the scales alone. For example, if you do a lot of strength training, you build muscles – and they are heavier than fat. You may have gained weight on the scales, but your body actually becomes firmer and more defined. If you want to record your physical changes, you should perhaps take photos of yourself regularly. They don't lie – at least if you don't think about an Instagram filter ?