When was the last time you weighed yourself? Is it something you find yourself doing daily? Does the number shown on the scales make or break you?

If so, maybe it’s time for you to get off the sad step and stop judging your worth in numbers.

This month we’re celebrating Weigh Free May. Dubbing itself “one-part challenge, one-part movement,” the month-long initiative encourages you to…

"Ditch the diet talk. 

 Step off the scales. 

 Dare to love yourself

 exactly as you are."

Founder of the movement, Grace Ritter, envisions that people can re-channel the energy they’d usually expend on weight-based pursuits towards dreams that will make them happier, more well-rounded individuals. Speaking with Body + Soul in an interview, she explained "Everyone has something they want to be. And I’m trying to get people to think about what they want to be – except a little bit skinner.”

So, take the pledge to not weigh yourself this month and start harnessing all the extra energy you’d usually waste on ‘diet culture’ and use it towards something more positive instead. It can start out as simple as doing one thing for your body that makes you happy each day. This could include taking a walk, buying a new outfit, dancing around, calling a friend or eating a treat and really taking the time to savour it. Then if you like, you can make it truly worth your while. You may find yourself volunteering for a particular political cause, donating blood, or even learning a new language. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless!

Just remember, a healthy lifestyle starts with loving your body enough to treat it well. Being controlled by numbers on a scale does not help you achieve this. You might not love your body today, but for now you can learn to accept it just as it is, and then maybe even one day love it!

To join this initiative, take a look through the website and sign the pledge to love yourself.