So what are non-scale victories anyway? They are a wide variety of changes and “victories” that weren’t possible until we began to lose weight, yet, these things have nothing to do with the numbers on the scale. However, they are a result of our weight loss. When we’re trying to lose weight, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. All of the focus and much of the pressure lies in those numbers going lower and lower. But, there are so many accomplishments along the way that have nothing to do with those three numbers that look back at you. I like to call these little gems, the additional bonuses of losing weight – off the scale, they are known as Non-Scale Victories. Since losing weight includes so many more benefits than the actual weight loss itself, it’s really important to recognize and celebrate these achievements. Take a look at 30 Powerful & Not So Obvious Non-Scale Victories.

1. A1C Level normal – I’ve met so many people who’ve shared their wonderful stories and proud moments when doctors remove them from all diabetes medications as a result of normal and stable A1C levels. One friend revealed her struggle with diabetes since the time she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and after giving birth, her diabetes remained for the next 20 years. After losing weight, her doctor took her off all diabetes meds as her levels were stable and normal.
2. High Blood Pressure gone along with the medications – being able to get off multiple medications for high blood pressure.
3. Other medications reduced or removed
4. Crossing one’s legs – sometimes we take very simple things for granted. The next time you sit in a chair, think of how you would feel if you weren’t able to do this. Then, think of us who are now able to cross our legs with ease.
5. Use a normal size towel to wrap up in instead of a beach towel.
6. Walking up stairs with ease and without getting winded
7. Going on amusement rides
8. Sitting comfortably in an airplane seat AND without the seat belt extension
9. Kneeling down
10. Being able to tie our own shoes
11. Sky Diving/ Bungee Jumping/Horse Back Riding, etc – there are different recommended weight limits to these and other activities which make   them impossible for us to do until we lose the weight. Sky Diving weight limit here in Florida is 280 lbs, Bungee Jumping in the US has a weight limit of 265 lbs and Horse back riding weight limit is 250 lbs.
12. Sitting in a chair with arms – I didn’t realize just how natural it was to scan a room as I entered it to locate a chair without arms and sturdy enough for me to sit on. Being able to just enter a room and sit in any chair is such a freeing experience!
13. Long Car Rides/ Extended Travel
14. Attend sporting events – fitting in seats, stairs, etc.
15. Use revolving doors and turnstiles – have you ever gotten stuck in either of these? Seriously, it’s a humiliating and scary experience.
16. Wear a belt – for those of us who carry our weight around the middle, wearing a belt goes beyond being a fashion statement, it’s something that’s physically not possible until we get small enough around the middle to fit into a belt.
17. Wear Jewelry – (particularly you favorites or heirloom pieces that used to fit)
18. Sitting in the back seat of a car
19. Helicopter rides –  the recommended weight limit is 300 lbs. per person
20. Wear shoes with toe loops
21. Sit on the floor and get up
22. Ride a bicycle
23. Wear heels
24. Play sports
25. Buy clothes in stores that don’t sell plus sizes
26. Pick something up off the floor
27. 5K Race other races – marathon, triathlon, cycling, etc.
28. Being able to stand up in place for a long time – ex. in a long line at a store, waiting to get into a movie, concert, event, etc.
29. Ride a Segway/ Jet Ski
30. Not sweating all the time –  a weight loss buddy of mine revealed being in a constant state of sweat, even just after showering!

As you can see, there are many amazing and awesome accomplishments we can all experience along our weight loss journeys. What non-scale victoris would you like to share with us? We’d love to hear from you!

Be well!