You've probably heard fitness experts say not to watch the scale when you're trying to lose weight. And there's a simple reason for that ... it's not giving you the whole story. A scale only tells you about weight lost and weight gained, but what type of weight you lost or gained is more important than the number.

During a weight-loss program you may lose fat; you may lose muscle; you may lose a combination of fat and muscle. The outcome depends on the kind of program you follow. Last month we wrote about restrictive diets that prompt weight loss through diet alone, no exercise. This type of calorie restriction over a long time period usually results in excessive muscle loss. With this kind of program you might step on the scale and see a lower number, but it could be more muscle loss than fat. This happens too often when you leave exercise out of the equation.

How your clothes fit is a much better indicator of fat loss than the scale. It really is all about the pants. Most of us carry fat around our midsection, and women often carry fat in their hips and thighs-all affecting how your pants feel. Lose fat and your pants feel looser. Period.

Let's say you've followed a healthy nutrition and exercise plan for a month. The scale says no weight loss, but your pants fit a good two inches looser. That's fat loss, not muscle. In fact, you probably gained muscle, which is why the scale doesn't register a number difference.

No other article of clothing motivates people more than pants. Think about it. Try on your favorite pair of pants for a party, realize they're too tight to wear, and not only are you bummed out but you start an exercise program the next day. Put on those same pair of pants after a month of diet and exercise and they fit loosely. Next thing you know there's a smile on your face and spring in your step. It's the power of pants.

Book Dan Polimino to speak at your next meeting or event today. For program information contact us at info@BookDan.com, visit www.BookDan.com or call 303-683-4795.