Kelley understands that it's hard to ditch the scale altogether because she knows that weight does matter to some degree. But, she's proof that you don't necessarily have to see a number change on the scale to change your body. Relying on other metrics of success and progress, though, has proven to be so much better for Kelley's journey (and, remember, she only just shifted her focus a few months ago!).
Posting about her progress on her fitness Instagram also keeps Kelley accountable, though she is aware that body image isn't something you can change overnight. Here are some of her tips for people who want to ditch the scale themselves.
- Take measurements and progress photos. "I use that as a tool to be able to put pictures side by side and say, 'OK, Kelley, maybe the last two days weren't the best, but look at how far you've come in 365 days!'"
- Learn to walk away from your progress photos. "If I'm looking too closely at photos and I'm like, 'Oh, there's no change,' as soon as I walk away and go back to it, I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, how did I not see this?'"
- Get rid of your scale. "If you don't want to throw it out totally, give it to someone you trust and say, 'Don't give this back unless I ask,' or until a certain date."
- Find people who support you. "My friends and my boyfriend and my parents and my brother have been so amazing through this whole thing. They've allowed me to celebrate both big victories and little victories, and they have been equally as excited for all of it. It's hard not to be excited for yourself when other people are excited for you."
