(Probably some where in this thread archive someone has already asked, if so, post a link please!)

Ahem

I use the tape and only the tape. I have thought about using a weighing scale but I get worried.

One of my earliest experiences with a weighing scale was with my mother ~ Weight Watchers in the '70's. The nice nurse put me on it too. I remember not being happy b/c my Mom kinda looked sad looking at me.
(for indepth read, see my journal entry 2)

I'm taking any suggestions on how to go around weighing and measuring?

ALSO, can you please address any of the following questions:

1) How frequently should one use the weighing scale?
2) How to avoid the traps of constant weighing?
3) Best time to weigh yourself?
4) How to log progress?

Thanks you all and happy LC'ing!

1) Once per week.
2) Don't put the scale somewhere convenient. I have mine in the bathroom, but on a shelf, so I don't just step on it everytime I'm around it.
3) Early morning, before eating/drinking anything, after using bathroom.
4) I used an Excel spreadsheet at first, now I'm using the FitDay software.

Hahha, this is such a great question....yes I too have to hide the scale away or I step on and off like a yoyo.
I too remember my mother being a slave to the scale all of her life. It's a terrible shame that it had to be like that back then, but all of the diets of the time were like that - all obsessed with weight loss and not inches.
I normally do ad tcastro does and measure and weigh on a weekly basis, this way it's easier to get excited when you can see some real losses!

oh also I too use www.fitday.com which is just superb.

I just started using it

Thanks guys for the advice. There's no one I know who I could turn to except Google...and we know how confusing that can be

I weight every morning and record it in Fitday. I don't get upset if I'm up because I know damn well that I can't gain fat the way I'm currently eating, so therefore it is water. So it doesn't upset me or make me want to get off the diet. Its just a fact of life. I move on.

The tape is really great. I do monthly measurings and log them at www.mybodycomp.com and it really makes me feel good seeing my progress. I also try to do weekly or so measurements, especially when the scales aren't moving and log them into Fitday as well.

So with the scales I see my downward trend and its fun to see my chart that looks like a Richter reading on the San Andreas fault. But truly, I don't sweat it a bit.

I used to weigh in every morning as well. I am going to change that to once a week to see if the number gets bigger (I had been losing 1-2lbs per day). I also messure once a week. I track it on my fitday as well and I enjoy seeing the charts! Its nice to track it and feel the great sense of accomplishment!