In an imperfect world, we’ve somehow been taught a “perfect” measurement of health. What is it? The number on the scale. But measuring your weight is just ONE piece of the wellness puzzle. It’s not the full story of your personal measurement “value.” What’s missing? All of the other aspects that impact health, such as physical activity, quality of food, stress, genetics, sleep, hydration, and your socialization.

Many people who come to me to “get healthy,” focus on the scale measurement. Used properly, as feedback rather than emotion, it can be an essential tool to track your long-term health objectives. Weight gain over time does not have to be part of the equation. Figuring out the right energy balance for you and your body is a healthy approach toward keeping the number on the scale in a good range, one that means you, like a car engine, are in top form for the long haul without the need of much repair. Just as you take your car in for a tune-up, do the same with your body. Make sure all of the parts are running optimally so you can keep cruising down the road of life. One way to do this is to get a physical every year. Use the data from the visit to your doctor to measure how you are doing year over year — and adjust your energy balance as necessary to keep your engine running smoothly!