When you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, you may feel like your scale is your enemy. You dread stepping on it in fear of what number you might see.

This allows room for negative self-talk, pressure from others, life-long behavioral patterns, and other factors that give that number on the scale more importance than it deserves.

It's time to use the innocent bathroom scale as the helpful tool it was intended to be.

It may sound easier said than done, but the way to do this is to change your relationship with the scale and make it your friend.

What are some ways you can do this?

One way to keep your spirits up during the trials of weight loss is to look at the number on the scale as data. Data is bound to fluctuate, and it doesn't mean the number you see on the scale now is permanent.

That being said, there are some days where you need to avoid going near the scale, such as the first days coming back from vacation or a long holiday weekend, after you've been sick or if you're feeling vulnerable. During these times, you're more likely to retain fluid and the number you see is reflecting water weight.

What are some ways to help and encourage yourself to have a positive, healthy number with the scale?

Weight management coach, Linda Spangle, RN, MA, joins Dr. Mike to share why it's important to have a positive relationship with your scale and some tips on when to weigh (and not weigh) yourself.