Diddlee's Journal, 24 June 2018

Usually the morning (or whenever you wake up) before eating & after using the bathroom will be the best time to weigh in. 

DEADPOOL12345. I agree, but as you see from below, there is quite a bit of difference in fat and muscle in the afternoon and early morning. Will try out 3pm for a bit just to see. 3pm Jun 24: 82.30kg, Fat 24.2%, Muscle 59.10kg 3am Jun 25: 81.75kg, Fat 25.8%, Muscle 57.55kg  

well yes, it’s because our bodies fluctuate throughout the day, so if you’re losing water, building/rebuilding/losing muscle, gaining/losing fat, digesting/not-digesting food, holding/not holding urine/poop etc. plus all other bodIly functions & things we consume through the day will contribute. So the scales, even the more “advanced” ones for tracking will show variations and discrepancies to different degrees. For example, I have this one body fat percentage tracking tool called a Skulpt (handy device, accurate within 1%) although, I don’t really need it because I know what various body fat %’s look like, but when I use it, it’ll give me the overal estimate of where I’m at, most times it’s pretty accurate, but if I’m holding excess water or If I use it few times through the day, there will always be fluctuations, even consistently through the week. Same with any scales that measure BMI, muscle, fat, etc. they’re only estimates, and unfortunately, most bioelectrical impedance (BIA) products, or systems such as DEXA scans etc. will also fluctuate varying degrees due to water retention, & other factors. So they range from “accurate enough” to “basically crap” lol. Especially the ones you hold in yours hands, vary from 3-4% differences... there’s no harm in using them and if they help you stay consistent with your efforts by all means use them, for more info on the subject here’s some links 👍🏻 https://muscleevo.net/body-fat-scales/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tUBnGpe7Gd4 

DEADPOOL12345 Thank you. Very helpful. I was hoping to find steady numbers. My error is probably that I measure anywhere between 3-6am, and I will for the next few days do it at a more consistent time point. 

@Deadpool +1 Fat measurement systems, including DEXA and other expensive professional systems, are notoriously subject to manipulation via hydration. The bioimpedance systems, like your home scale, are the most susceptible. By measuring in the exact same manner every single day, you can develop an understanding of how your body responds to your diet and exercise. The best way to do this is well known and exactly as @Deadpool described. Shopping throughout the day for a better scale reading is an exercise in futility. Let's go!  

@jimmiepop true, plus consistency in all manners definitely help. Over time with proper understanding in all aspects relating the body, as well as to any chosen “tools” or lack thereof in overal diet/fitness/health parameters etc., will result in having an easier time knowing what to look for in progression, & with that, an easier time without reliance on “tools” as things get easier over time. 

Thank you guys @Diddlee @DEADPOOL and @Jimmiepop - I've been thinking about buying one of those scales that tell you your body fat %, (maybe just to torture myself) but probably will skip it now. I'm not at a place where I need to know that yet anyway. 

What I have noticed, is that by drinking water, my Fat% go down, and my Muscle weight go up. I wake up at various times, so the Plan of attack is to consistently have my last meal at 12, and do the measurements 3 hours later. Maybe 2 hours later. By nailing it like this, I hope for more consistent hydration and trends. 

Just read the instructions, and find. 1. Consistent hydration is important. 2. Same hour of day. 3. Suggest 3 hours after waking, eating, exercise. To me, that sums up to. 1. Eat and drink at noon. 3. Take measurements at 3pm. Will give this a go, and get back on to fat and muscle trends.