Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

[jcapulet]

I've been using a mechanical scale, but then bought a digital one for more precise numbers. The mechanical scale read 179 pounds, and the mechanical one read 184.

I know I shouldn't stress about the weight, but for me it was a big step to go from the 180's and dip into the 170's.

Which scale do you all prefer?

[RitaCeleste]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

I prefer the the lighter one. My scales are off and weight about 4 pounds light. I keep my weight as it is on those scales, a pound is still a pound. One other digital scales set weights me only a pound or two heavier than my scales. So its not cheating if you lucked into a nice set of scales. Its okay to use the scales even if they seem a little off. Without a trip to the doctor's office, its hard to know which one is truly right, if either turn out to be after all.

[pagliaccia]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

I use my Wii Fit scale, which is digital. It automatically charts my weight progress, which is awesome. No matter what the scale says, keep in mind you still lost the same amount. If you went from 188 to 178 on one scale, you went from 194 to 184 on another. You're still making great progress!

[krispysky]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

I use digital. I always weigh lighter on my mom's dial scale. How my clothes fit is what's important!

[jcapulet]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

Thanks Rita and Paglia. I guess it's best to go with the digital one for most accurate reading (I had to constantly recalibrate the mech. one). Even though it's not the number I'd like to see, the pounds are still going down at least.

Well, going to have breakfast now. Devilled eggs for me today!

[jcapulet]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

I use digital. I always weigh lighter on my mom's dial scale. How my clothes fit is what's important!

So true! My clothes are a little more comfy fitting, not as tight-fitting as they were.

[RitaCeleste]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

It says 14 day induction at the top of your profile, its important to use the same scales, whichever, one to figure your total weight loss from induction for figuring out your metabolic resistance though. There is a chart in the book for doing this after you complete the two week induction. As long as you use the actual pounds gone for this, you'll be okay. From there on out, melting on either scale is fine. You'll be watching for how how much you loose per week and for what happens when you add a food after that and either scale will allow you to do that.

[TogaGirl]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

everyone's right, clothes are really one of the best measures of progress! A pair of goal pants was invaluable in my weight loss! That said I invested in a professional slide scale (the kind you see in doctor's offices) and I couldn't be happier. My weight is always almost exactly the same be it at home, the doctor's or at my trainer's. I do get chuckles and odd looks from people who visit my master bathroom the first time, hahaha. I got mine on amazon for a little over $100.. Not for everyone, but has been a great tool to keep me on track!
Amazon.com: Health o Meter Physician Balance Beam Scale: Home & Garden

[jcapulet]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

It says 14 day induction at the top of your profile, its important to use the same scales, whichever, one to figure your total weight loss from induction for figuring out your metabolic resistance though. There is a chart in the book for doing this after you complete the two week induction. As long as you use the actual pounds gone for this, you'll be okay. From there on out, melting on either scale is fine. You'll be watching for how how much you loose per week and for what happens when you add a food after that and either scale will allow you to do that.

That's a good point I hadn't considered yet. I adjusted my weight/weight loss in my signature so that it matches the digital scale, which is the one I'll be using. The total weight loss is the same, just in a different "bracket" than it was with the mechanical scale. Will definitely be using the digital one from now on, because it seems most accurate.

[liv]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

And for those interested
There is a no scale challenge starting in the Semi Annual Challenge forum

http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/forums/adbb-semi-annual-challenges/81277-semi-annual-weigh-no-way-challenge-7-a.html

[jcapulet]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

everyone's right, clothes are really one of the best measures of progress! A pair of goal pants was invaluable in my weight loss! That said I invested in a professional slide scale (the kind you see in doctor's offices) and I couldn't be happier. My weight is always almost exactly the same be it at home, the doctor's or at my trainer's. I do get chuckles and odd looks from people who visit my master bathroom the first time, hahaha. I got mine on amazon for a little over $100.. Not for everyone, but has been a great tool to keep me on track!
Amazon.com: Health o Meter Physician Balance Beam Scale: Home & Garden

Thanks Togagirl. Wow, I never knew you could buy those, but they look pretty handy! I might consider getting one some time.

[Fleur]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

My old digital scales stopped working - I only realised when I went off plan but carried on getting lighter! I ordered a set of Homedics Body Fat Analyser Scales and they arrived yesterday... I had put on 6lb since the last time I got a correct weight reading I also went to the docs yesterday and he weighed me too - so I found out my new digital scales weigh 2lbs heavier than the doctors scales... all in all I'm really chuffed with my new scales - I love the body fat/water % readings and the BMI reading but don;t really care for the BMR feature as it tells in Kcal which I really couldn't care less for!!!!

[msanjelpie]

Re: Digital vs. mechanical scale...grrrrr!

I have two digital scales. One reads in half lb increments, the other in tenths. I go with the one with the lowest reading