The most widely used measurement for weight loss is the weight scale. So, let's talk about that first.

When you are recording using this, always remember that measuring your weight is a very one dimensional measurement. It doesn't really can't give you much information by itself.

Using the scale with a combination of a mirror, skin fold calipers and doing your calculation for body fat % is the best way to measure because you will have a much better idea of what sort of weight you are carrying and what sort of weight you have gained or lost on a week to week basis - whether it be fat or muscle.

If you recall, this is vitally important as we want to lose fat and maintain muscle to ensure our metabolism stays high. The scale can actually mislead you here.

For example, let's say that you're starting to see your body shape up in the mirror. You use your skin fold calipers to calculate your lean body mass, and it's indicating that your lean body mass is the same weight. If you jump on the weight again, and you've lost 1 pound only, don't be disappointed. Be proud of yourself!

Why?

Because your goal is to lose fat and maintain muscle. Remember, muscle is like a calorie furnace - it burns calories all day long no matter what you are doing so losing this is the last thing we want to do. What you can conclude from these measurements is that all that weight you lost was mostly all fat! This is exactly what you want for permanent and long term fat loss.

Please try not to get obsessive and jump on the scale 3 times a day, or even every day - it's a waste of time and can mislead you significantly. I know how tempting this can be especially if you've been eating right and been doing all the exercises.

Any measurements you get on your scales on a daily basis are going to mean very little because your body can have large fluctuations on a day to day basis in weight due entirely to water levels in your body.

The most consistent and accurate way to measure your body weight is to jump on the scales once a week on the same day and same time. For example, every Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm.

But as I mentioned, that's not going to give you a great indication of your progress by itself. You want to use a mirror and skin fold calipers as well. Skin fold calipers are really cheap, but you must know how to use the properly.

You'll do yourself a big favor by checking "Burn The Fat" by Tom Venuto to help you do this. Not only does he go into detail about tracking, you're going to get great professional advice about how you can consistently lose weight naturally. Check out all of his success stories at his web site.