The Sneaky Victories
Let’s be honest, the scale can be a fickle beast. You’re diligently tracking macros, and sweating through workouts that leave you questioning your life choices. You are resisting the siren song of the churro (a particularly cruel temptation here in Spain, I might add). You step onto that cold, unforgiving platform, and… crickets. The number stares back at you with the unwavering judgment of a medieval gargoyle. It is as stubborn as a mountain goat.
It’s enough to make you want to throw your perfectly portioned salad across the room and declare a lifelong commitment to tapas. But hold on a minute! Before you succumb to the delicious dark side, let’s talk about the sneaky victories. These are the triumphs that don’t register on the scale. But make your life immeasurably better. They’re the little winks and nudges from your body and your life saying, “Hey, you’re doing great, even if that darn number is being a pain!”
I’ve been on my own wellness journey (a polite way of saying I’m trying not to morph into a sentient potato). I have to say the scale has had its moments of dramatic flair (mostly in the wrong direction, if I’m being truthful). Instead the real magic has been happening in the periphery. These non-scale victories have been the unexpected confetti in the parade of progress.
So, grab a café con leche (unsweetened, you virtuous soul!), settle in, and let’s celebrate some of these glorious, often hilarious, non-scale wins:
1. The Case of the Vanishing Chin Shelf: Remember that little ledge that seemed to have taken up permanent residence under your chin, a sort of cozy hammock for stray crumbs? Well, one day you’ll be looking in the mirror, perhaps examining a new wrinkle (because aging is a real joy), and you’ll realize… it’s gone! Vanished! Evaporated like morning mist over the Mediterranean. You might even tilt your head at odd angles, just to be sure it hasn’t just relocated. This, my friends, is a victory worth celebrating with a slightly smaller slice of tortilla española. At this point, the stubborn scales is not important.
2. The Great Pantheon of Previously Unwearable Clothes: Your closet might start resembling an archaeological dig, unearthing relics from your past – jeans that haven’t seen the light of day since the Spice Girls were topping the charts, dresses that were once reserved for “special occasions” (like successfully navigating a buffet). Suddenly, these forgotten garments start whispering sweet nothings like, “Hey, try me on!” And lo and behold, they fit. Maybe they’re a little snug, maybe they require a strategic shimmy, but they fit. It’s like discovering a hidden treasure, except the treasure is denim and polyester.
3. The Energy Surge That Makes You Consider Running a Marathon (Briefly): Remember those afternoons when the mere thought of walking from the sofa to the fridge felt like scaling Mount Everest? Suddenly, you find yourself bounding up the stairs two at a time or volunteering for extra errands. And maybe even considering a light jog (before quickly dismissing that last, frankly alarming, thought). This newfound energy is like a superpower. It allows you to tackle that overflowing laundry basket with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel.
4. The “Did You Lose Weight?” Compliment (Even Though the Scale Says Otherwise): This is a classic. Someone you haven’t seen in a while will exclaim, “Wow, you look great! Have you lost weight?” You’ll internally consult the tyrannical stubborn scale and remember its stubborn refusal to budge. But you’ll smile serenely and say, “Thank you!” basking in the glow of their perception. Maybe it’s the way your clothes are fitting. Or it’s the newfound sparkle in your eyes (likely from finally getting a decent night’s sleep). Whatever it is, it’s a win. Take it and run (but maybe don’t actually run, unless you want to).
5. The Mysterious Disappearance of the Afternoon Slump: Remember that 3 PM wall that you used to crash into with the force of a thousand siestas? Suddenly, it’s… gone. You power through the afternoon, your brain feeling less like a bowl of soggy paella and more like a well-oiled jamón slicing machine. Productivity soars! You might even find yourself tackling that DIY project you’ve been putting off for months (before realizing that DIY is still the devil’s work).
6. The Ability to Open Stubborn Jars Without Looking Like You’re Wrestling a Bear: This might seem trivial, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. No more pleading with your significant other, no more resorting to dangerous kitchen utensil leverage techniques. You can just… twist. It’s a small victory, but a mighty one, especially when that jar contains the last of the olivas.
7. The Improved Sleep That Makes You Feel Like a Functioning Human: Remember those nights of tossing and turning, waking up feeling like you’d wrestled a flock of angry sheep? Suddenly, you’re drifting off to sleep with the ease of a cat finding a sunbeam and waking up feeling… rested! Imagine that! You might even start remembering your dreams (mostly about finally finding a reliable source of churros that don’t derail your progress).
8. The Increased Stamina During Activities That Used to Leave You Gasping for Air: Whether it’s chasing after your kids/pets, navigating a crowded market, or simply walking up a few flights of stairs, you might notice that you’re not quite as winded as you used to be. Your lungs are saying, “Hey, thanks for not making us work so hard!”. It’s a subtle but significant improvement in your quality of life.
9. The Joy of Discovering New Healthy Foods You Actually Enjoy: Remember when “healthy food” conjured images of bland, tasteless rabbit food? Suddenly, you find yourself genuinely enjoying that vibrant salad, that perfectly grilled fish, or even (gasp!) those steamed vegetables. Your taste buds have evolved! You’re no longer viewing healthy eating as a punishment but as a delicious adventure.
10. The Subtle Shifts in Your Reflection That Have Nothing to Do With Weight: Maybe your skin is clearer, your posture is better, or there’s a newfound brightness in your eyes. These are the visual cues that tell you things are changing for the better. Even if the scale is being stubborn. You’re radiating health and vitality, and that’s a beautiful thing.
11. The Mental Clarity That Makes You Feel Like a Zen Master (Almost): Remember that foggy brain that made decision-making feel like navigating a maze blindfolded? Suddenly, your thoughts are clearer, your focus is sharper, and you feel more in control. You might even find yourself meditating for more than five seconds without your mind wandering to what’s for dinner.
12. The Increased Confidence That Makes You Want to Strut Down the Street Like You Own It (Maybe You Do!): As you feel better and notice these subtle improvements, a quiet confidence starts to bloom. You stand a little taller, you make eye contact more easily, and you just feel… good in your own skin. And that, my friends, is a victory that no scale can ever measure.
So, the next time you step on the scale and feel a pang of disappointment, remember these sneaky victories. Remember the vanishing chin shelf, the rediscovered jeans, the unexpected energy. These are the real rewards of your efforts, the tangible proof that you’re moving in the right direction, even if that darn number is taking its sweet time to catch up.
Keep going, keep making those healthy choices, and keep celebrating those wonderful, surprising non-scale victories. Because ultimately, it’s not just about a number; it’s about feeling good, living better, and maybe, just maybe, finally conquering that stubborn jar of olives. ¡Salud!
A different point on nonscale victories here: https://www.bariradka.com/2024/09/10/nonscale-victories/