When I first started out on my fitness journey I never knew the importance of portion control. As a child I enjoyed nothing more than filling my face till I could no longer walk or sit comfortably.
These days I batch cook and always stay on top of what goes in and out of my body. Think of your body as a cake, if you want to get the same result, a perfectly balanced article you have to provide the right ingredients along with the right quantities.
So don't fear using scales to monitor your food, its not over the top etc. just think of it as a way to portion control and stay on target to reaching that holy grail, a lean and healthy physique.
So go and purchase a good set of scales today if you haven't already because they 'Are' essential.