In society’s eyes, alower body weightis often assumed to be synonymous with “healthy.”

Thomas recently posted before and after photos of herself in workout clothes onInstagram.

The photo on the left is back in February of 2016, she wrote in the caption.

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Courtesy of Erin Thomas/Instagram

I was so obsessed with my weight and was running myself right into the ground.

Thomas writes that she wasanemicand had zero energy.

Thomas says she weighs about 10 pounds more in her after photo, and shes thrilled about it.

Those pounds for me represent happiness, health, and balance, she wrote.

Now, shes not counting calories or tracking macros.

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Even my doctor had mentioned that I had lost a lot of weight since my previous visit.

Thomas says she had anemia that was so severe that she almost needed a blood transfusion.

Now, she says, I feel like myself again.

These days, Thomas works out because it makes her feel good and happy.

And, I cant even tell you the last time Ive weighed myself.

It feels good to know I dont have to be a prisoner to the scale anymore.

For starters, the number on the scale isnt the best indicator of your health because it naturally fluctuates.

It can also distract you from being your healthiest.

You may find it more helpful tofocus your goals around specific behaviorsrather than weight, Upton says.

These are positive goals that help women develop healthy, strong bodies, she explains.

Was it something a doctor recommended or is there something about being that weight that you loved?

If its the latter, what else was going on in your life at the time?

Thomas encourages other women to know that being healthy is about far more than your weight.

It is being happy and feeling good, she says.

Exercise to feel good, not to punish yourself.

And, she adds, if you cant stop obsessing over your weight, throw out your scale.

There is more to it than a number on the scale, she says.