What's in a Number?

Of course I have been buzzing around my head thinking of all the juicy things to write lately in regards to diet and exercise but something came my way today that stopped me dead in my tracks. I know I've already discussed the relevance of the almighty calorie and hate to be redundant, however, this is along that same vane so bear with me. I'm cashiering at my restaurant today drifting in and out of consciessness when I overhear a small exchange between another cashier and two guests.  This is a father/daughter who frequent my place and she is looking in our nutrition book. Not for carbs or sugar or even fat, just calories. Her dad explains, "She's watching her calories. She's doing so well too!" and at this point she interjects, "Yeah! I've lost 3 pounds in 3 weeks!"  Uuuhhhh.... did she just say that? Forgive my negativity but this does not seem to me a very significant weight loss. Firstly, she didn't even look like she needed to lose any weight and secondly, some people lose that in a day just in water!
At any rate this got my wheels turning about all the numbers that we find significant. I want to focus on the number the majority of women seem fixated on. Weight. Who knew a number could cause so much stress and anguish? I haven't weighed myself in over 6 months. Not because I'm so unconcerned and in perfect shape that I don't think I need to. I don't weigh because I, like many others, get fixated on that one number. I applaud my losses even if they are a loss in muscle mass and punish myself for any gains no matter how slight. I could literally weigh an extra 6 pounds if I weighed in at the wrong time of the month, after eating a big meal. Luckily I decided this was an arbitrary measurement and my attention would be better placed in other arenas. Weight to me is like calorie counting, easily measured and standardized. Not the only way to track progress though! What about measurements? Body fat percentages? I have been a notch tighter on my belt and weighed the same as I did one notch out. Explain that! I digress, now I'm ranting. My point is that I wanted to shake this girl and tell her that 3 pounds in 3 weeks is not something to jump up and down about. Effort should always be applauded but I wish people could see beyond the one thing they have decided to get stuck on.I suppose I should be happy that this girl is making a start but cutting calories does not necessarily equal healthier eating habits and if she really is going for only weight loss she better up the ante and start shedding!
-Whitney