Live It Articles Decreasing and Loving it!

John 3:30 says, “He must increase but I must decrease.” Don’t you just love this scripture? It gives an entirely different view of weight loss, doesn’t it? As our body decreases, His testimony in our life will increase and He will receive glory for what He has done through First Place.

Many people view the scale as their enemy. Some are filled with fear and dread at the thought of stepping on the scale and looking at the number. A few even cry when they are faced with the truth of how much weight they have gained. In reality, the scale is just a tool to measure your body weight and give you accountability in your weight loss journey. This month I want to share with you some guidelines to make your weigh-in day a pleasurable experience.

1. Drink your normal amount of water before weigh-in. Your body has a built-in hydrating system that flushes liquid in and out of the body automatically. This system doesn’t weigh any more or any less if you deprive it of liquid.
2. Eat the amount of food you would normally eat before weigh-in. The weight of the last meal won’t affect the scales even a little bit. In other words, don’t skip meals on weigh-in day. Remember that this is a lifestyle change.
3. Do not take laxatives or diuretics on or the day before weigh-in day. Laxatives will cause your body to retain fluid. Diuretics are only effective for a short period of time. Your body will hold the liquid it takes in to replenish the fluid lost. Laxatives and diuretics in a weight loss program produce thought patterns associated with eating disorders.
4. Do not over-exercise on or the day before weigh-in day. This type of behavior is also associated with eating disorders. Too much exercise will at times cause your body to retain fluid and possibly weigh heavier than it should. Exercise with gusto three to five days a week and make exercise a "way" of life rather than a "weigh" of life.
5. Dress in clothes that will not cause discouragement on weigh-in day. Denim jeans, skirts and overalls, heavy shoes and jewelry will make a difference in the numbers on the scales. Be consistent each week in the weight of your clothing.
6. Try to remember that the day you weigh in is just a regular day. Follow the program accurately as much as possible. The scale is not a measure of whether you are “good” or “bad.” It is to help you stay focused on your journey to good health.

So, how do you prepare on the day you weigh in? You do absolutely nothing more special that day than you do any other day. Every day is a special day when you are bringing about changes that will affect the rest of your life!

Decreasing and loving it!

Beverly Henson
Certified Personal Trainer


Beverly Henson is a conference and rally speaker for the First Place ministry. She is also a Bible teacher and certified personal trainer. Beverly joined First Place in July 1997 and has lost 147-1/2 pounds. First Place has given Beverly a powerful testimony. She is a First Place leader and Bible teacher at Northcrest Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi. Beverly has a genuine love of proclaiming the word of God to His people.